| Country |
United
Kingdom |
| Natura
2000 site location |
Cumbria |
| Nearest
urban settlements |
Carlisle |
| Natura
2000 site name |
Geltsdale
RSPB Nature Reserve |
| Natura
2000 site number |
UK9006272
(cSAC code 0030033) |
| Size
of site (hectares) |
5000 |
| Site
description |
The
Geltsdale reserve is within the North Pennines SPA and the candidate SAC,
and the Geltsdale and Glendue Fells SSSI and forms part of the North Pennines
AONB. Blanket bog vegetation communities (NVC communities MG17/MG19) dominate
the high moorland grading into dry heather, grassland communities and agricultural
pastures on the lower slopes. Relict deciduous woodland pasture exists on
the reserve with its own characteristic bird assemblage and wildlife interest. |
| Key
Species types |
Hen
harrier |
| Merlin |
| Peregrine |
| Golden
plover |
| Black
grouse |
| Ring
ouzel |
| Key
Habitat types |
Blanket
bog |
| Dry
and wet heath |
| Ancient
woodland |
| Upland
farmland |
| Key
management issues |
Moorland
management including drain blocking to restore active blanket bog, reduced
grazing by sheep, and heather cutting and burning, particularly to benefit
golden plover and to provide bird-rich habitats for breeding birds of prey
- woodland planting and farmland management for breeding waders. |
| Developing
a sustainable farming system that delivers wildlife benefits is integral
to our work at Geltsdale. Grazing sheep numbers have been reduced on the
blanket bog dominated moorland - combined with reduced burning and drain
blocking we are already seeing increased species diversity and restoration
of Sphagnum moss, and on the rough pasture around the moorland edge we have
increased cattle grazing. Appropriate grazing and moorland management is
important for breeding waders such as lapwing and golden plover. |
| We
are part way through a large-scale native woodland project on the northern
slopes of the reserve - over 100,000 trees are being planted in a 200 ha
exclosure, incorporating large areas of open space, and varied planting
densities; we plan to reintroduce cattle grazing when trees are safely established
after about 10 years. |
| Organising
at least one Green Days event per year |
We
have a programme of demonstration events for upland farming for wildlife
and moorland management. |
| Promoting
Natura 2000 at the local level |
We
will be developing interpretation for the reserve in 2006, with a small
visitor centre and way marked trails and can include broader n pennines
SPA and SAC information. |
| Involving
local stakeholders in the management planning process - creating a local
area partnership |
We
are currently producing a Community Newsletter to begin a process of improved
community involvement at geltsdale reserve, and develop improved links with
schools and community groups, as part of imporved facilities at the reserve.
We involve a range of local organisations in management projects. |
| Branding
Natura 2000 |
As
above - opportunities in production of interpetive materials in 2006 as
part of proposed new visitor centre. |
| Agreeing
to become an NNi ambassador |
Dave
O'Hara (RSPB) dave.ohara(a)rspb.org.uk is an NNi Ambassador. |