About the reserve

Skiddaw Forest is a spectacular and remote area of fell, bog and moorland. Covering around 1200 hectares, it includes the three well-known Lakeland summits of Skiddaw, Great Calva and Little Calva, and several smaller fells including Sale How.  

The summit of Skiddaw towers over the neighbouring town of Keswick, providing commanding views over Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake, as well as the Newlands and Coledale fells to the south.

Also known as ‘Back o’ Skidda’, Skiddaw Forest occupies an extensive ‘bowl’ enclosed by the fells to the west and north of the main summit, from which the River Caldew and Dash Beck arise. 

This remote landscape is enjoyed by many walkers, runners and cyclists each year. The routes of the Cumbria Way and the iconic Bob Graham Round cross the area.

Skiddaw Forest is not currently wooded (‘Forest’ stems back to the old use of the word forest, meaning hunting ground). It’s a vast area of moorland, upland heath and peatland, which are ecologically very valuable and need to be carefully protected.

Recent history

On 5 September 2024, we announced the launch of a major public appeal to help buy Skiddaw Forest, including the summit of Skiddaw. We aim to restore a huge, lost area of Atlantic rainforest as part of a 100-year vision to bring back wildlife to the lower slopes of what will be the highest nature reserve in England.

We've already raised a large amount towards the purchase of the site and will continue fundraising for its restoration.

Our vision for Skiddaw Forest

Our vision for Skiddaw Forest includes re-creating 620 acres (c.20% of the site) of native Atlantic rainforest on part of the slopes thanks to a long-term partnership between The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva.

This is a 100-year vision which will see temperate rainforests restored to areas they once grew, in high rainfall western parts of the British Isles. Native trees will grow through natural regeneration from local seed as well as by planting locally-grown saplings.

We'll carefully respect the cultural and historical landscape of Skiddaw Forest and consider introducing appropriate grazing once trees are established, in partnership with local farmers. The land has not been grazed or farmed for several years.

We'll plant a rich diversity of appropriate tree species including sessile oak, birch, rowan, holly, alder, hawthorn, juniper, bird cherry, wych elm, crab apple, blackthorn, aspen, hazel and a number of different types of willow.

This will allow a rich tapestry of life to grow in, on and around these trees. Eventually, ferns, liverworts, mosses and lichens will cover the trunks and branches and even the fellside itself.

Skiddaw Forest also has one of the largest areas of blanket bog in the Lake District. We will restore this important peatland habitat by blocking artificial drains and revegetating bare peat areas. This will prevent the loss of a huge carbon reserve and enhance the wildlife value of the site.