The nature of the Lake District has been shaped by climate and centuries of human activity – and so it will be in the future. We’ve just announced a new management partnership with United Utilities on their Haweswater Estate. Haweswater itself is the biggest single source of drinking water in North West England supplying some two million people
The RSPB will be tenants of Naddle Farm which is 500 ha (1250 acres in old money) of enclosed farmland (that’s the lower slopes where the dry stone walls are), woodland and common grazing rights on the open fell. A classic upland sheep farm.
The Naddle Farm tenancy has its roots in many years of a successful partnership at Haweswater between the RSPB and United Utilities. The RSPB first became active at Haweswater in the 1960s following the return of golden eagles to the reservoir and, in 1987, entered a management agreement covering 499 ha (1233 acres) of woodland, and a wardening and monitoring agreement over the remainder of the 10,000 ha (24,700 acres) estate.
But what of the future? Naddle Farm is in the heart of our Lakes High Fells Futurescape, a landscape-scale conservation initiative in the North and East lakes. We are working with others to inspire the creation of an upland landscape rich in wildlife, while respecting the history and traditions that have shaped the distinctive cultural heritage of the Lake District.
The vision for Naddle Farm is to make it even richer in wildlife and improve water quality, while managing the land as a successful farm. It’s a long-term project aiming to restore the habitats that form the Lakeland fells distinctive landscapes. Upland heaths and blanket bog that wave with cotton grass in the spring and wash purple with heather in the summer; and broad-leaved woodland, just beginning to come into leaf as spring rolls on. Healthy habitats are better for wildlife and help to collect the rain that falls – the ‘raw’ water that ends up coming out of our taps. Reducing soil erosion educes costs and makes the water easier to treat.
Mike Fishpool, Haweswater Development Manager for the RSPB said: “By restoring upland habitats we aim to create a ‘win win’ situation for both wildlife and water. However, the lessons we learn from this project will only be relevant to the wider farming community if we integrate it with a viable farming system. So we have appointed experienced sheep farmer Richard Postlethwaite (pictured), to manage the agricultural business at Naddle Farm".
Sheep farmer, Richard Postlethwaite.
Paul Phillips, United Utilities Catchment Manager for Cumbria including Haweswater and Thirlmere, commented: “Haweswater is a hugely important source of drinking water. A quarter of the water we drink in the North West comes from here. Part of what makes it so good is the surrounding land, which is a natural filter. Farming this land sustainably helps make sure the water is clearer and cleaner, so it needs less costly chemically-intensive treatment. That’s got to be good for the environment and our customers.
“We’re hoping, with the RSPB, to show how a modern working farm can be sustainable while maintaining upland traditions and making money. United Utilities has led the way in developing water-friendly farming and many other companies are now following suit. This new development is another first for the industry.”
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