Hardknott Forest restoration supports wider nature recovery in the Upper Duddon Valley
EOCA and Pertex have highlighted how restoration at Hardknott Forest is helping shape a wider approach to nature recovery in the Lake District’s Upper Duddon Valley.
In an article published on 22 September 2026, EOCA describes work to remove non-native conifers, plant native trees and encourage natural regeneration. Volunteers and school groups contributed, while newly exposed crags created climbing opportunities.
The Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project brings farmers, conservationists, researchers and local partners together. Plans include reducing grazing intensity, restoring grasslands and scrub, improving peatlands, riverbanks and hedgerows, and returning a previously culverted stream to a more natural course.
Troutal Farm tenant farmer Paddy Deady reported healthier sheep and more varied flowering plants after reducing his flock and resting some fields from grazing.
The project’s longer-term ambition is to improve biodiversity while supporting farming, local livelihoods and outdoor recreation.
Read the EOCA article and Pertex’s full story.
Featured image: © Ryan Goff (@rygoff), via EOCA / Pertex.
