Cumbria is famous for its upland landscape and mountain scenery, from the dramatic high peaks to the gentle lowland fells. Contained within this landscape are a wealth of different habitats including mountain rivers, lakes and tarns to heaths, bogs, limestone pavements, meadows and woods. Each of these unique habitats has been shaped by the landform, soils, altitude and weather which in turn have influenced the type of flora and fauna that has developed and adapted to each habitat. The wide variety of landscapes in the Cumbrian uplands supports a great diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are locally, nationally or internationally important.

All landscapes and habitats are susceptible to change, they are fragile systems which are affected by man’s activities; land and water management practices, recreation and the effects of climate change. A large number of people and organisations are involved with the management of the Cumbrian habitats including farmers and food producers, private landowners, local authorities, utility companies and a wide range of other organisations such as:

Cumbria Farmers Network
Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Cumbria Woodlands
Environment Agency
Federation of Cumbrian Commoners
Forestry Commission
Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
Lake District National Park Authority
Natural England
National Trust
North Pennines AONB Partnership
RSPB
Warcop Range Ministry of Defence
Wild Ennerdale