The British equivalent of the Audubon Society, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), has announced a major expansion of England’s largest bird reserve. The Geltsdale Reserve, located in the North Pennines range of Cumbria in northern England, will increase in size by 33% following a recent land acquisition. This expansion will bring the total area of the reserve to an impressive 13,590 acres, encompassing diverse habitats such as moorland, meadows, blanket bog, and woodland.
Described as a place that “swarms” with life, Geltsdale is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is one of the last strongholds of the hen harrier, a species that has faced severe declines in Britain due to habitat loss and human interference. The reserve is also a sanctuary for numerous other bird species, many of which are of significant conservation concern. In addition to its avian inhabitants, Geltsdale has earned UNESCO Geopark status, recognizing its unique geological formations and ecological importance.
“This is going to be a reserve on a different scale from many of our other sites in England,” said Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief executive. “We are going to achieve an abundance of species and a size that will be unmatched for bird reserves elsewhere. It is going to demonstrate what is possible when it comes to rewilding and protecting birds.”
For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Geltsdale offers an unparalleled experience. The reserve is home to a remarkable array of bird species, including black grouse, redshank, nightjar, snipe, whinchat, curlews, ospreys, short-eared owls, and lapwings. These birds can be spotted across the reserve’s varied landscapes, which rise dramatically by 650 meters from the lush valley floor to the windswept moorlands. The altitude and diverse topography create an ideal habitat for a wide range of avian species, making Geltsdale one of the most significant bird reserves in the country.
“Geltsdale is now the biggest in England,” Speight emphasized. “And that size makes such a difference. When you walk through the reserve during breeding season, it is incredible. The place just swarms with birdlife.”
While Geltsdale may appear to be an untouched slice of old England, the RSPB is employing modern technology to address conservation challenges. One such initiative is the introduction of a GPS-monitored ‘invisible’ fencing system to manage livestock grazing. Traditional wooden fences pose hazards for low-flying birds like black grouse, often leading to collisions and fatalities. To mitigate this risk, cattle and calves grazing in the area will be fitted with collars that emit a high-pitched tone when they approach a designated boundary. The closer they get, the louder the tone becomes, eventually culminating in a low-level electric shock to deter them from crossing the boundary.
Speaking with The Guardian, Dave Morris, the RSPB’s area operations manager for Cumbria and Northeast England, explained that this innovative approach would allow local farmers to continue grazing their livestock without negatively impacting the reserve’s ecosystem. “This system ensures that cattle movements are controlled without physical barriers that could harm bird populations,” he said. “It’s a sustainable solution that balances conservation with agricultural needs.”
In addition to adopting high-tech conservation tools, the RSPB is halting several traditional land management practices that have historically altered the landscape. Practices such as heather burning and moorland draining, once common in upland management, are being phased out to allow the land to regenerate naturally. These activities have contributed to habitat degradation over the years, and their cessation is expected to promote the recovery of native vegetation and improve conditions for nesting birds.
The expansion of Geltsdale Reserve marks a significant step forward in Britain’s conservation efforts. By increasing the protected area, implementing innovative management strategies, and prioritizing ecological restoration, the RSPB is setting a new benchmark for bird conservation in the country. As the reserve continues to evolve, it will serve as a model for how rewilding and habitat preservation can be effectively integrated into modern conservation efforts.
For those passionate about bird conservation, the developments at Geltsdale offer a beacon of hope. As Beccy Speight aptly put it, “This project is about more than just protecting birds—it’s about showing what’s possible when we commit to restoring nature on a grand scale.” With ongoing efforts and public support, Geltsdale is poised to remain a sanctuary for Britain’s birdlife for generations to come.
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