A festival to celebrate Cumbria’s hidden temperate rainforests will be held later this month.
The Shap Outdoor Festival is a month-long event, from April 26 to May 25.
Cumbria is home to rich, lush ancient woodlands and they are among the UK’s most important natural landscapes, supporting a variety of wildlife.
The year’s festival will celebrate these extraordinary forests and highlight ongoing recovery efforts through a programme of events that will introduce people to the vital, yet often overlooked, woodlands, raising awareness of their fragility and celebrating the incredible work being done to protect them.
The Old Courthouse in Shap will host a month-long exhibition in its Exhibit A Gallery.
The exhibition will showcase the beauty, biodiversity and importance of temperate rainforests, with a particular focus on Naddle Forest at the RSPB at Wild Haweswater and the wider Lowther Valley.
It is being held in collaboration with the #Species Survival Fund Rainforest Project, led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with Plantlife, Cumbria Connect, Cumbria Woodlands and other partners.
The project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund developed by Defra.
People can join expert-led walks through ancient woodlands, take part in a Not Quite the Dawn Chorus Walk, observe Red Squirrels at Shap Wells, or experience the calming effects of Full Moon Forest Bathing at Burnbanks Woodland.
A series of talks at The Old Courthouse will feature conservation experts discussing topics including temperate rainforests, living with beavers and the science of nature conservation.
On Sunday May 25, families can take part in a fun-filled day of sensory woodland activities at Burnbanks Woodland, introducing children to the wonders of nature through hands-on activities and exploration outdoors.
Patrick Neaves, Shap Outdoor Festival co-ordinator, said: “Many people don’t realise that temperate rainforests exist in Cumbria, and even fewer know about the incredible habitats right here in the Lowther Valley.
“This year’s festival is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase these hidden gems, raise awareness about their conservation, and inspire people to appreciate and protect the natural wonders on our doorstep. We hope this year’s festival will help people connect with the beauty and diversity of our natural environment.”
Bill Kenmir, conservation manager at Cumbria Connect, added: “I’m thrilled to showcase our efforts to protect and expand Cumbria’s temperate rainforests as part of this popular festival.
“These vital ecosystems are key to biodiversity and climate resilience and the Shap Outdoor Festival is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about their importance. Join us to see the incredible work being done and explore the beauty of these rare landscapes right here in the Lowther Valley.”
For more information, visit www.shapoutdoorfestival.org
