Cumbria Connect

Cumbria Connect is one of the UK's largest nature recovery programmes, restoring nature from Penrith to Kendal. Part of the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes programme, we are a bold collaboration of farmers, landowners and conservationists. Faced with the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, we recognised the need to come together to help make a difference. Together, we’re on a bold mission to reverse the decline of wildlife and restore nature to hectares of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. That’s an area bigger than Birmingham, making us one of the largest nature recovery programmes in the UK. At Cumbria Connect, we believe that by linking fragmented habitats and creating stepping stones for wildlife, we can restore the health and vitality of our ecosystems in a way that truly has an impact. With generous funding of £4.1 million from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, we’re embracing nature-friendly farming practices and working together to make bigger, better and more connected habitats and creating a wilder future for wildlife and people. From reintroducing endangered species like water voles to restoring precious peatlands, we’re tackling habitat loss head-on, with plenty of opportunities to get involved. Healthy ecosystems provide cleaner air and water, improved flood control, better soil health and a boost to biodiversity. It’s a win-win for both nature and people. Cumbria Connect is working within a landscape that’s not just beautiful but ecologically vital. This area was once home to England’s last Golden Eagle, a majestic bird that symbolised the wild spirit of our countryside. Its loss isn’t just a statistic—it’s a tragic reminder of what’s at stake. But we hold onto hope that one day, through our collective efforts, this majestic bird might one day soar again over our Lakeland fells.