Restoring Cumbria’s Rainforest: How we’re using a helicopter to help restore the uplands at Haweswater

July 2025

How we’re using a helicopter to help restore a rare rainforest

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The #Species Survival Fund Rainforest Restoration Project is all about expanding and restoring rare temperate rainforest in Cumbria. At Naddle Forest at Wild Haweswater, we’re planting 9,000 native trees to help expand and reconnect ancient woodland, improve biodiversity and build resilience to climate change.

 

What makes temperate rainforest so valuable?

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Temperate rainforest is a globally rare habitat that once covered much of western Britain but now survives in only about 1% of its former range. These woodlands are not only beautiful and atmospheric, they’re also among the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet.

These forests support an extraordinary diversity of life, especially the often-overlooked species like lichens, mosses, fungi and invertebrates that thrive in the cool, damp conditions. Many of these species are found nowhere else and their survival depends on protecting and expanding the rainforest habitat they rely on.

Temperate rainforest is one of the most ecologically rich habitats. Its benefits include:

  • Exceptional biodiversity – including rare lichens, mosses, fungi and invertebrates
  • Significant carbon storage, helping tackle climate change
  • Natural shelter for birds and animals
  • Cultural and landscape value especially in Cumbria’s uplands

Our tree planting will take place in areas around Riggindale, Mardale and Swindale at Wild Haweswater – all of which lie alongside Naddle Forest, one of the largest fragments of temperate rainforest in Cumbria. This is a landscape where rainforest restoration can thrive, expanding from the living remnants that have managed to cling on.

Restoring this kind of woodland helps tackle two of the biggest environmental challenges we face today: climate change and biodiversity loss.

Temperate rainforests support rare species such as Pied Flycatcher Credit: RSPB-images

Naddle Forest is home to Pied Flycatchers and other rare birds and mammals

Naddle Forest in Cumbria

Temperate rainforests support native Red Squirrels in Cumbria

Red Squirrels also thrive in the woodlands at Wild Haweswater

Public benefits of upland woodland restoration

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This work goes far beyond planting trees – it actively builds a healthier, more resilient landscape that benefits everyone.

Restored woodlands help to:

  • Improve drinking water quality by filtering runoff and reducing sediment before it reaches rivers and reservoirs
  • Slows water flow, helping to reduce the risk of flooding downstream
  • Boosts resilience to drought and wildfire by shading and cooling soils, retaining moisture and supporting natural water cycles
  • Stabilises upland slopes protecting soils from erosion
  • Captures and stores carbon, directly supporting the UK’s climate targets
  • Creates vital habitats for birds, mammals, pollinating insects and rare woodland species.

 

Why use a helicopter?

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Restoring native woodland is never a simple task, especially when the landscape is remote, steep and environmentally fragile. As part of our latest planting project, we made the carefully considered decision to use a helicopter to transport materials to the site.

This wasn’t a choice we made lightly. We understand that using aircraft can raise questions about carbon use, and it’s important to us to explain why it was necessary on this occasion – and how it ultimately supports a much larger environmental benefit.

The planting sites are in remote upland areas that are inaccessible by road or quad bike. These are steep, sensitive landscapes, with fragile soils, watercourses and existing vegetation that would be badly damaged by heavy machinery or repeated vehicle access.

A heli lift will allow us to fly in materials – including tree cages and stakes – quickly and efficiently, with minimal disturbance to the ground. It’s an operation that avoids far greater long-term damage that would result from overland machinery.

Tree cages protect young trees from browsing by sheep, deer, cattle and fell ponies

A helicopter flies over a mountainous ridgeline with a bundle of fence posts hanging below

Helicopters help transport materials in inaccessible areas

A sunny photo of a mountainous scene with heather and gorse up front and small lush green trees in the foreground.

Tree planting is taking place in remote, upland areas inaccessible to vehicles

Protecting young trees in the uplands

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One of the biggest threats to young trees in these areas is browsing by wild deer, livestock (sheep, cattle and fell ponies), hares and rabbits. Without protection, survival rates drop dramatically.

The tree cages flown in by helicopter are essential for giving these young native trees the best chance to establish and grow.

We’re using wooden tree cages, not plastic guards, because:

  • They’re biodegradable and long-lasting
  • They reduce plastic waste in the landscape
  • They allow us to plant trees in natural clusters

Cluster planting helps mimic natural woodland patterns and creates the kind of structure that wildlife like red squirrels, owls and woodland birds can thrive in.

Over time, as the woodland matures, these trees will help create a healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem, providing wildlife habitat, improving soil health and locking up carbon for decades to come.

Large tree cages on the lush green slopes of a mountain valley in Cumbria

Our tree planting scheme at Swindale

Tree cages among bracken on an upland fell, showing cluster planting of trees

An aerial view of tree cages

Not every tree will be tall - and that's a good thing

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In the harsh upland conditions of Cumbria, with thin soils and harsh weather, trees often grow slowly and stay small. These low, wind-shaped la’al trees (la’al meaning ‘little’ in Cumbrian dialect) are a natural and important part of the fellside ecosystem.

Their absence has made our fells seem bare. Their return is part of restoring the uplands to their full natural character.

A long-term investment in a healthier future

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Yes, using helicopters involves an immediate carbon cost – but in this case, this cost is far outweighed by the long-term health of the land and its people.

This planting work, is part of a longer-term vision for self-sustaining, native woodland at Wild Haweswater that will:

  • Store carbon for generations
  • Support wildlife and rare species
  • Improve water and air quality
  • Strengthen landscape resilience

By protecting these young trees now, we’re helping ensure the future of a thriving, resilient uplands – one that will benefit people, wildlife and the climate for generations.

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