Kinder Scout declared a National Nature Reserve

18/10/2009 11:08:28 Kinder Scout is as good for wildlife as it is for trespassing
October 2009. 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.

Waders
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.

Mass trespass
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".

National Nature Reserves There are currently 223 NNRs in England (and one Marine Nature Reserve, Lundy) with a total area of over 92,000 hectares, which is approximately 0.6% of the country's land surface. The largest is The Wash NNR, covering almost 8,800 hectares, whilst Horn Park Quarry in Dorset, at 0.32 hectares, is the smallest.

Natural England manages about two thirds of England's NNRs, whilst the remaining third are managed by organisations approved by Natural England; for example, National Trust, the Forestry Commission, RSPB, many Wildlife Trusts and Local Authorities. Of Natural England's NNRs, about 30% are owned and almost 50% leased. The rest are held under Nature Reserve Agreements.