Connect for Nature

Connect for Nature Cumbria Connect
Nature's big comeback

Landowners, farmers, conservationists and communities.

Together, we’re bringing nature back to eastern Cumbria, one wildflower meadow, hedgerow & re-wiggled river at a time.

02/06/2026

The 2nd Penrith Scout Group has certainly been busy with their Water Vole rafts!

Making the most of last week’s good weather, the Penrith Scouts headed out to Wild Haweswater to install the monitoring rafts they built earlier this year.

With support from Stephen at Eden Rivers Trust, the team successfully installed 8 rafts along the beck. These simple but effective floating platforms help us monitor local Water Vole populations.

Water Voles are naturally curious and often climb onto the rafts to investigate, feed or rest, leaving behind footprints and droppings that can be recorded without disturbing the animals.

A fantastic effort from everyone involved, and an important contribution to local wildlife conservation!

Inspired? Get involved!
[email protected]

27/05/2026

FREE FAMILY PHOTO SESSION IN THE LOWTHER AREA 📸

We’re looking for a lovely local family to take part in a free outdoor family photo session with Mark Williamson Photography for upcoming for Cumbria Connect’s family-friendly nature projects.

The shoot will take place around the Lowther area and will focus on natural, relaxed family moments outdoors. We’re looking for a family who are local to the area or happy to travel, are available on Friday or Saturday, and are comfortable with the images being used across Cumbria Connect promotional content and social media.

In return, you’ll receive a free professional family photo session and some beautiful images to keep!

If you’re interested and would like more information, please send us a PM message. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested!

will be hosting a creative workshop at Penrith Library on Thursday 28th May, in conjunction with Lakes Deer Fest!
If yo...
26/05/2026

will be hosting a creative workshop at Penrith Library on Thursday 28th May, in conjunction with Lakes Deer Fest!

If you’re looking for something to do this half-term, join her for a relaxed and informal afternoon filled with folktales, imagination, and creativity.

Drop in anytime between 2pm and 3:30pm.

All ages are welcome!

22/05/2026

A new strategy has launched setting out an approach for managing deer populations in the Lake District.

The five-year strategy has been developed by Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), Natural England, Forestry Commission , Forestry England , North Lakes Red Deer Group, Cumbria Connect, National Trust Lake District , and United Utilities .

The strategy promotes evidence-led, collaborative and adaptive management, bringing together landowners, environmentalists, deer stalkers and deer experts to protect the landscape while safeguarding the welfare of deer for the future.

Read more about what's involved in the strategy and frequently asked questions here: https://ow.ly/NPRQ50Z2GYT

Come along to Mo’s Talk as part of Penrith’s Join our Cumbria Connect Conservation Scientist, Mo Verhoeven, for an insi...
21/05/2026

Come along to Mo’s Talk as part of Penrith’s

Join our Cumbria Connect Conservation Scientist, Mo Verhoeven, for an inside look at the research taking place across the Cumbria Connect landscape and what it is revealing about nature recovery in our area.

From plants and insects to birds and fungi, the science team is studying how wildlife responds to different approaches to land management including tree planting, grazing and deer management.

Friends Meeting House, Penrith CA11 7TR
Thursday 11th June, 19:30 - 21:00

Booking link: https://www.penrithact.org.uk/events/great-big-green-week-2026/

Wild Beavers have been confirmed in the Eden CatchmentCumbria Connect has confirmed evidence of a protected wild Beaver ...
14/05/2026

Wild Beavers have been confirmed in the Eden Catchment

Cumbria Connect has confirmed evidence of a protected wild Beaver population along the River Lowther following increasing signs, tracks and sightings across the catchment.

The animals are believed to originate from illegal and unauthorised releases. Cumbria Connect and partner organisations were not involved in their release and do not support illegal wildlife releases.

We are working with Natural England and partners on a responsible and constructive long-term approach focused on consultation, management and engagement with local communities and land managers.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the Beavers or the developing proposals can email: [email protected]

Read the full statement here:
https://connectfornature.pulse.ly/vekjeupq5k

A couple of pictures from our community! who we’ve worked alongside in the past, is constantly exploring the Cumbrian la...
12/05/2026

A couple of pictures from our community!

who we’ve worked alongside in the past, is constantly exploring the Cumbrian landscape, immersing himself in nature and capturing the incredible natural soundscapes our local areas have to offer.

Here are just a few of the amazing scenes he encounters on his daily ventures across Cumbria.

09/05/2026

It’s World Migratory Bird Day! 🐦

To help encourage swifts back into our local area, we’ve introduced a few new techniques to make our buildings more welcoming for nesting.

Our swift callers are small speakers that play the distinctive screeching calls of swifts, encouraging the birds to visit the area. Swifts are colonial birds, meaning they love nesting close to one another, which is why they’re often spotted flying in large groups!

The callers help guide them towards our swift bricks: specially designed nesting spaces built into buildings, with a small entrance hole that provides the perfect safe spot for swifts to nest.

We can’t wait to see the impact these nature-friendly features have, so follow along as we welcome the swifts back in!

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Cumbria Connect, Lowther Old College
Penrith
CA102HH

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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