To preserve the vital location for ecology, geology, and public access, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust is asking for assistance from the general public to purchase Skiddaw Forest in the Lake District.
More than 2,200 acres of additional habitat will also be restored, including 992 acres of peatbog, wildflower grasslands, and heather moorlands, as well as montane scrub, a type of high-altitude tree-line woodland.
The organization added that open public access to the fell, which has a height range of 360 meters to 931 meters at Skiddaw’s top, will be guaranteed.
The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva have partnered to fund £5 million of the £6.25 million in requested prices.
However, the trust is requesting public assistance to help raise the remaining £1.25 million.
The 3,000 acres of upland that make up Skiddaw Forest are up for sale, and the bid is supported by TV presenter Julia Bradbury and mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington.
“As a passionate supporter of the environment and biodiversity, and as a lover of the Lake District fells, I can’t think of a better organization to manage Skiddaw Forest than Cumbria Wildlife Trust,” Sir Chris stated.
