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October 15, 2009
Kinder Scout declared a National Nature Reserve
The famous plateau of Kinder Scout has been officially declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) by Natural England. Located in the heart of the Peak District and one of the most familiar landscapes in Britain, Kinder has a proud place in the campaigns to improve public access to England’s countryside. Now with NNR status it joins a range of other upland NNRs helping to conserve our most vulnerable habitats.
Owned and managed by the National Trust, Kinder comprises around 700 hectares of various upland habitats, including blanket bog and sub-alpine dwarf shrub heath, and also supports several upland breeding birds, notably species of birds of prey and waders, curlew and ring ouzel. Going forward, assessments will be made of the potential to restore damaged habitat areas, including the regeneration of bog mosses, which are fundamental to the long-term process of peat creation and carbon storage.
Ring Ouzel © David Hutton, from the surfbirds galleries
Kinder is among the most popular upland areas in England for walkers and holds a special affection as the site of the famous 1932 Mass Trespass - the catalyst for the creation of our National Parks. It now becomes the 223rd NNR in England and the 16th owned by the National Trust.
Poul Christensen, Acting Chair of Natural England, said: “National Nature Reserves are selected to build up a balanced network of the best examples of England’s natural heritage, of which Kinder Scout is definitely one. As one of the most famous upland sites in England it offers an excellent platform to promote engagement amongst the general public about the need to conserve and improve our upland habitats”.
The NNR declaration came on the same day that the life of Sir Martin Doughty - the father of modern nature conservation and founding Chair of Natural England - was celebrated with a series of events on and around Kinder Scout. Martin died of cancer earlier this year and would have celebrated his 60th birthday on 11 October. An informal family day out was arranged by Natural England, the National Trust, Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority.
Speaking at the celebration, Poul Christensen said “Martin would have been delighted his beloved Kinder Scout has achieved NNR status. He worked tirelessly to improve access to our natural environment so everyone could enjoy it like he did”.
Mike Innerdale, the National Trust’s Peak District General Manager said: "Kinder Scout is an iconic part of the Peak District that is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year and The National Trust strongly supports the declaration of the site as a National Nature Reserve. Kinder is an area that provides a great opportunity for people to enjoy the countryside and experience nature, NNR status will help us to provide even more opportunities for visitors to discover this dramatic landscape."
Posted by Surfbirds at October 15, 2009 7:05 AM
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