The largest bird sanctuary in England, the RSPB Geltsdale Reserve, has experienced a 30% growth following the acquisition of new land.
This emblematic space, located in the Northern Pennines in Cumbria, now covers 55 square kilometers. It encompasses bogs, heathlands, meadows, and forests that stretch from the bottom of a valley to the top of Cold Fell, at 640 meters above sea level.
## A refuge for biodiversity and conservation
Described as a place “teeming with life,” RSPB Geltsdale is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. Owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), this sanctuary is not only home to the hen harrier, an emblematic species still found in its natural habitat, but also hosts a variety of birds such as the black grouse, curlews, nightjars, ospreys, lapwings, and short-eared owls.
Moreover, Geltsdale has been declared a UNESCO Geopark due to its unique geological formations, highlighting its value not only for fauna but also for the natural heritage. Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB, stated: “This reserve will be a large-scale model to demonstrate how it is possible to recover and protect wildlife. No other site in England will have a bird reserve comparable in terms of size and diversity.”
## Innovation in reserve management
While Geltsdale evokes an image of ancient and pristine England, the RSPB is implementing innovative technologies to address conservation challenges. For example, they are developing an invisible fencing system monitored by GPS to manage local livestock grazing.
This method, which uses collars emitting a progressively louder sound if animals approach a delineated line, avoids the installation of physical fences, which can pose a danger to birds like the black grouse.
Dave Morris, RSPB’s Operations Director in Cumbria and Northeast England, explained that working together with local farmers will be key to ensuring compatibility between human activities and the protection of the area’s species.
Additionally, the reserve has ended traditional practices such as heather burning and moorland drainage, aiming to fully restore the ecosystem to its natural state.
RSPB Geltsdale is a clear example of how conservation efforts and innovation can work together to protect biodiversity and restore natural habitats. Its expansion not only strengthens its environmental impact but also makes it a unique sanctuary for birds and wildlife in England.
*Source: The Guardian*
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