THE pursuit of one of England’s rarest mammals has started in South Lakeland. A coast-to-coast 15-day search across northern England aims to track down the rare and elusive pine marten. As many as 200 volunteers could be getting involved in the search, which began in Grizedale Forest. The pursuit, involving a mix of hiking and [...]

THIRTY spectacular birds of prey have been released into the heart of the Lake District. The release of the red kites by the Forestry Commission has taken two years to plan, and is the first phase of the landmark final reintroduction of the birds in England. Taken as hatchlings from a Forestry Commission site in [...]

Magnificent birds of prey that are being reintroduced into North West England at Grizedale Forest are doing well according to wildlife experts. The Forestry Commission is spearheading a three-year project to reintroduce red kites into the region – the first of its kind in North West England and the last red kite reintroduction project in [...]

THE pursuit of a rare mammal which has not been spotted for a number of years is to get under way in South Lakeland. As many as 200 Vincent Wildlife Trust volunteers are searching hotspots in the north of England for pine martens – which are related to minks, polecats, otters, badgers and stoats. They [...]

A CONSERVATION project has been launched which will see 90 red kites released in the Lake District – the first time the birds have been reintroduced in the North West. Following the issuing of a special licence from Natural England, the Forestry Commission North West England has begun a three-year project that will see the [...]

THE Forestry Commission has launched an online guide to help visitors savour one of nature’s most spectacular displays – the changing leaves of autumn. As part of the leaf-watch campaign, woodland experts are recording Cumbria’s hottest autumn spots including Grizedale and Whinlatter so people can visit them in all their blazing glory. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/nweautumn.

World rock climbing prodigy and Lake District lad, Leo Houlding, unveiled the new £6 million visitor facilities on the Forestry Commission estate at Grizedale Forest, near Hawkshead in Cumbria on Friday 18 September. Leo, 28, who grew up in the Lake District, is well known for his adrenaline packed exploits and can be found participating [...]

THE Lake District’s potential as an Olympic training ground has been recognised by a government minister. Huw Irranca-Davies, natural environment minister at the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said the park’s lakes, fells, footpaths and trails were ideal for athletes gearing up for the London Olympics. “The national parks has so much to [...]