Exploring the Enchanting Borrowdale Rainforest in the UK
A STUNNING English rainforest has been declared a protected nature reserve thanks to its “mysterious and untouched” landscape. The half-term holidays are just around the corner, with forests and parks being a popular choice for families planning days out.
One place families might not have considered visiting is Borrowdale Rainforest in the Lake District. Borrowdale Rainforest is the biggest temperate rainforest in the country and one of the last remaining examples of a “mysterious and untouched” landscape in the UK.
The area has been named a national nature reserve as part of the King’s Series – a scheme celebrating the coronation of King Charles III that aims to create five new nature reserves over the next five years. The new status should help conserve the rainforest by linking it up with other nearby habitats.
Even though most people associate rainforests with tropical environments, countries with milder – and wetter – conditions have their own type of rainforests too. Temperate rainforests are found in mild climates that produce heavy rainfall, so it’s no wonder that there are a few in the UK.
The high rainfall creates a humid environment helping moss and ancient oaks thrive. These unusual rainforests once covered as much as 20 per cent of the UK, but now only account for 0.4 per cent of the country. Spanning more than 1,700 acres, Borrowdale Rainforest is thought to be the wettest inhabited place in England.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Borrowdale Rainforest every year where they can explore the woodland via its many footpaths. Guy Shrubsole, author of The Lost Rainforests of Britain, described the news as “fantastic” and emphasized the importance of rainforest restoration efforts.
There are several other unique temperate rainforests in the UK, including Cabilla in Cornwall, Cambrian Wildwood in Wales, as well as the Caledonian Forest in Scotland. Additionally, there are plenty of other stunning woodlands and forests in the UK that Brit holidaymakers can visit.
One of those places is the New Forest National Park, set across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire in Southwest England. The New Forest National Park is home to wild ponies, deer, hiking trails, and its very own theme park. The summer is the best time to visit, with highs of 21C often forecast.
In conclusion, the enchanting Borrowdale Rainforest in the UK offers a unique opportunity to explore a temperate rainforest and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. With its recent designation as a national nature reserve, the rainforest is set to be preserved and connected with surrounding habitats for future generations to enjoy. So, why not plan a visit to this hidden gem and experience the magic of the British rainforest firsthand?