Print page
Our work here
13 December 2011
The blanket bogs, heath, upland farmland and woods of Geltsdale support a great diversity of wildlife. Many breeding birds are found here, including wonderful species such as black grouse, golden plover, curlew, ring ouzel, merlin and short-eared owl and the reserve is one of only a handful of regular nesting sites of hen harriers in England.
Black grouse and the breeding waders of the upland farmland - lapwing, redshank and snipe and curlew - have all increased significantly, thanks to sensitive farming, particularly cattle grazing and wetland creation. The reserve is organically farmed.
The extensive blanket bogs of the moorland are being restored through reducing sheep grazing, reduced heather burning and the blocking of artificial moorland drains. This allows recovery of the Sphagnum moss communities that form a natural sponge, holding water in the hills and over time forming peat.
Large areas of new woodland are developing from a combination of natural regeneration and new planting of native species, including the landscape-scale Bruthwaite Pasture Woodland which extends across the hillside above Stagsike.
Partnership working
We have had a presence at Geltsdale since 1975 and has worked closely with other land owners and farming tenants. Our management has been developed in co-operation with a range of partners, whose support and advice has been vital, including Natural England, the North Pennines AONB Partnership and Forestry Commission.
If you would like any further information about RSPB Geltsdale or a copy of the Geltsdale Trail Leaflet, please e-mail us at: northernengland@rspb.org.uk, phone the RSPB North of England Office on 0191 233 4300 or write to us at: RSPB Northern England, 1 Sirius House, Amethyst Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YL.
Being green
We are committed to providing a good quality service whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities.
A symbol of this commitment is our membership of the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The scheme provides accreditation and encouragement for tourism businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their activities. By encouraging sustainable practices the scheme ensures the continued enjoyment of the environment around us for future generations.
We are undertaking the following actions to achieve our Green Tourism Gold Award:
-
We comply with the requirements of environmental legislation and approved codes of practice
-
We continuously seek to improve our environmental and social performance
-
We reduce pollution, emissions and waste
-
We raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in sustainable business practices
-
We expect similar environmental standards from suppliers and contractors
-
We assist visitors and volunteers to use products and services in an environmentally-sensitive way
-
We liaise with the local community
-
We have reduced our risks associated with social and environmental issues
-
We have joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme as an indicator of our sustainable practices.
Some of the main steps we have taken to reduce our impact are:
-
Recycling all plastic bottles, cardboard, paper, glass and cans
-
Community green projects/work parties/outreach work
-
All waste water/toilet waste feeds into our reedbed system
-
We use low ecological impact cleaning products.
How you can help
We need your help to preserve habitats like these at Geltsdale
Make a donation