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World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

We are teaming up with Cumbria Woodlands to host a full day of activities for you to explore, learn and wonder at the beauty of our temperate rainforests. Discover the species that survive nowhere else on earth, and meet the experts working to recover these forgotten habitats. There will even be the chance to take a trip into a real rainforest to experience the wonder of these habitats first hand!

You can find out more about the sessions before the walk here.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a guided walk at one of four different locations in the northern Lakes. You will be guided along your route and your leader will take every opportunity to show you some of the incredible species of Cumbria’s temperate rainforest, for you to experience the magic first hand!

This walk will take place at Great How Wood, and transport will be provided to and from Rheged Events Centre.

Guided Walk Information

  • Route 4 – Great How Wood (Walk Leader: Angus Walsh) (Capacity: 20 people)
  • Parking: Legburthwaite car park (18 Back Ln, Keswick CA12 4TQ)
  • Length: 3km
  • Elevation: 82m gain/loss
  • Terrain: Paved road followed by rough, uneven path into woods, well trodden
  • No dogs permitted
  • Facilities: Toilets available at Legburthwaite car park
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

We are teaming up with Cumbria Woodlands to host a full day of activities for you to explore, learn and wonder at the beauty of our temperate rainforests. Discover the species that survive nowhere else on earth, and meet the experts working to recover these forgotten habitats. There will even be the chance to take a trip into a real rainforest to experience the wonder of these habitats first hand!

You can find out more about the sessions before the walk here.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a guided walk at one of four different locations in the northern Lakes. You will be guided along your route and your leader will take every opportunity to show you some of the incredible species of Cumbria’s temperate rainforest, for you to experience the magic first hand!

This walk will take place at Wesco and Burns Wood, and transport will be provided to and from Rheged Events Centre.

Guided Walk Information

  • Route 3 – Wesco and Burns Woods (Leader: Carrie Hedges) (Capacity: 20 people)
  • Parking location: Station Road
  • Length: up to 5km
  • Elevation: up to 30m gain/loss
  • Terrain: Flat. a mixture of tarmac, footpaths, cycle paths and small roads
  • Facilities: Toilets and cafe available in Threkeld Village Hall at the top of station road
  • No dogs permitted
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

We are teaming up with Cumbria Woodlands to host a full day of activities for you to explore, learn and wonder at the beauty of our temperate rainforests. Discover the species that survive nowhere else on earth, and meet the experts working to recover these forgotten habitats. There will even be the chance to take a trip into a real rainforest to experience the wonder of these habitats first hand!

You can find out more about the sessions before the walk here.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a guided walk at one of four different locations in the northern Lakes. You will be guided along your route and your leader will take every opportunity to show you some of the incredible species of Cumbria’s temperate rainforest, for you to experience the magic first hand!

This walk will take place at Naddle Forest and transport will be provided to and from Rheged Events Centre.

Guided Walk Information

  • Route 2: Naddle Forest (Leader: Georgia Stephens) (Capacity: 20 people)
  • Parking: The RSPB at Haweswater, Naddle Farm, Burn Banks, Bampton, Penrith CA10 2RP
  • Length: UP TO 6km
  • Elevation:
  • Terrain: Rough Path into woods, not well trodden, steep. Main Path paved
  • No dogs permitted
  • Facilities: None
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Aira Force Temperate Rainforest Walk

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

We are teaming up with Cumbria Woodlands to host a full day of activities for you to explore, learn and wonder at the beauty of our temperate rainforests. Discover the species that survive nowhere else on earth, and meet the experts working to recover these forgotten habitats. There will even be the chance to take a trip into a real rainforest to experience the wonder of these habitats first hand!

You can find out more about the sessions before the walk here.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a guided walk at one of four different locations in the northern Lakes. You will be guided along your route and your leader will take every opportunity to show you some of the incredible species of Cumbria’s temperate rainforest, for you to experience the magic first hand!

This walk will take place at Aira Force and transport will be provided to and from Rheged Events Centre.

Guided Walk Information

  • Route 1: Aira Force (Leader: April Windle) (Capacity: 20 people)
  • Parking: Located at National Trust – Aira force and Gowbarrow park
  • Length: 2.5km
  • Elevation: 100m Elevation gain/loss
  • Terrain: Steep, rocky and uneven terrain, well-trodden path
  • Facilities: Toilets, cafe and gift shop available at the car park
  • No dogs permitted
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

Scotland: Meadows Survey ID Training

Join us and expert botanist Ben Averis for this meadows ID training session to get ready for a season of surveys.

A wildflower meadow in Scotland

We have an exciting opportunity for people to join us, along with expert botanist Ben Averis, for a meadows ID training session in the Cairngorms.

This training session aims to give you skills to identify a number of wild plants that we find in our grasslands in Scotland.

After the session, there will also be further volunteering opportunities to join surveys at 4 farms later this summer.

In partnership with Pastures for Life, we have been supporting 4 farmers to trial novel grazing techniques. These techniques have been designed to improve biodiversity in upper Strathspey in the Cairngorms National Park for the past 4 years.

This summer volunteers will then be leading on a rapid habitat assessment, revisiting quadrats previously assigned to assess habitat improvement.

Further information

Location: The upcoming training session will take place on June 7 at Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms.

Accessibility: This training covers rough terrain and will be off paths. There will also be some steep slopes.

Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on site.

Refreshments: Tea and coffee will be provided, and volunteers are asked to bring a packed lunch on the day.

Orchid Walk at Ranscombe Farm

Join our Ranscombe Farm Reserve Manager Ben Sweeney, on a guided walk of this Important Plant Area. Head out across our flagship reserve to spot some of the rare orchids and other wildflowers that make it so special.

Close up of a Fly Orchid

We’re inviting you on a guided walk of Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve, to discover the species that make it such an important and special site!

Learn about the wonderful wildflowers that grow at our flagship nature reserve and how we manage the land to help them thrive.

Accessibility: This walk will be around 3km (2 miles) and is suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness. We will be traversing uneven ground and there are two fairly steep hills. There are no stiles on this walk and there will be frequent stops.

Details: The walk will take place from 1.30pm until 4.30pm on Thursday 29 May. Ranscombe Farm is our largest nature reserve in England, occupying a total area of 560 acres on the slopes of the North Downs in Kent. We will begin the walk further into the reserve with everyone meeting at the entrance and then vehicle sharing to reach our start point.

Bryophyte Identification Training Workshop – Cumbria

This is an in-person training event for over 18s only, the course will involve walking on steep and uneven ground.

This is an person training course for over 18s only, the course will involve walking on steep and uneven ground.

Over the course of one day, our aim is to give you the tools and confidence to be able to identify a range of bryophyte species commonly found in temperate rainforest habitat. The course will include both theory and practical elements to fully support your learning.

What topics will be covered?

What is a bryophyte? The basics of bryophytes: mosses vs liverworts, growth forms, reproductive processes. Key identification features of mosses and liverworts. How to use a key to identify species in the field. The relationship between bryophytes and temperate rainforest.

What to bring?

  • Appropriate outdoor clothing including sturdy waterproof footwear (e.g. walking boots or wellies, and full waterproofs)
  • Pen and paper
  • Packed lunch
  • Camera/smartphone (if possible)
  • Hand lens (if possible but not necessary)

The Rainforest Restoration Project is being led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with Plantlife. This project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Exhibition: Sand Dunes at the Ucheldre

Join us at The Ucheldre to discover sand dunes through a new exhibition.

A sign on the dunes at night

In 2023 the Dynamic Dunescapes Project, the Ucheldre and Wild Elements CIC joined forces. The goal? To help Anglesey visitors and residents discover the sand dunes of Rhosneigr, through art. Working together, a programme of activity days has taken place throughout the year, and two films have been produced.

Visit the exhibition to see the works created as well as other arts projects that have taken place as part of the Dynamic Dunescapes project in North Wales.

Opening times:

Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00

Sunday 14:00 – 17:00

Additional event information

All are welcome and you can drop into the exhibit anytime during opening hours, but why not pair your visit with one (or more!) of the following:

  • 16/09 Dune-inspired Children’s art club sessions (book via Ucheldre website ‘classes’ page – £2 fee)
  • 30/09 Drop in and join Wild Elements between 11:00 – 14:00 for activities and crafts to reveal the magic of the dunes (free)
  • Check the Ucheldre centre social media and website for other activities taking place during the time the exhibit is open

For more information about the exhibit please visit https://ucheldre.org/ or contact the Ucheldre

More events

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
12:00 – 15:00
Great How Wood | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Wesco and Burns Wood | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Naddle Forest | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

Waxcap Fungi Walk at Glen Tanar

Join Plantlife and an expert mycologist for an exploration of colourful Waxcap fungi in Deeside.

A waxcap mushroom growing in the grass, with mountains in the background

We will be introducing the work Plantlife are doing in the Cairngorms and the fungi we’ll be looking for during the day.

On the walk you will be practicing ID, learning about waxcap fungi conservation and habitat preferences, as well as surveying to gather information about these understudied species.

Please email sam.jones@plantlife.org.uk to reserve a place.

What to expect on the day:

Please bring appropriate outdoors clothing and equipment and remember to bring along water and lunch.

Meet at Glen Tanar visitors centre, across bridge from visitors car park: https://goo.gl/maps/cn7Vn5LzsY3d6V4L7

NO 48064 96509

Plantlife may be in touch after the event for evaluation purposes, please let us know if you would like to opt out of this on the day.

More events

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
12:00 – 15:00
Great How Wood | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Wesco and Burns Wood | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Naddle Forest | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

Waxcap Fungi Walk at Balmoral

Join Plantlife and an expert mycologist for an exploration of colourful Waxcap fungi in Deeside.

Blackening Waxcap at Glen Clova, Cairngorms.

We will be introducing the work Plantlife are doing in the Cairngorms and the fungi we’ll be looking for during the day.

On the walk you will be practicing ID, learning about waxcap fungi conservation and habitat preferences, as well as surveying to gather information about these understudied species.

Please email sam.jones@plantlife.org.uk to reserve a place.

What to expect on the day:

Please bring appropriate outdoors clothing and equipment and remember to bring along water and lunch.

Meet at Invercauld Estate Car Park (pay and display), just North of Bridge of Dee and the A93: https://goo.gl/maps/EdGqjj4UczawEgJm8

NO 18826 91284

Plantlife may be in touch after the event for evaluation purposes, please let us know if you would like to opt out of this on the day.

More events

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Great How Wood Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
12:00 – 15:00
Great How Wood | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Wesco and Burns Woods Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Wesco and Burns Wood | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

World Rainforest Day: Cumbria – Naddle Forest Temperate Rainforest Walk

Sun, 22 Jun 2025
13:00 – 16:00
Naddle Forest | free

Experience the sights and sounds of the temperate rainforest first hand, with one of our guided walks to celebrate World Rainforest Day.