A year has passed since Forestry England teamed up with long-term partner, Forest Holidays to support the wild area in Kielder Forest. The two organisations share a sustainable vision for this special forest, and the work of the partnership has had a big influence on the Wild Kielder project.

In 2023, Forest Holidays and Forestry England embarked on an innovative nature recovery project at Kielder Forest: a pioneering study of environmental DNA (eDNA) from the soil in Kielder Forest revealed for the first time the variety of fungi and insects. This information will help Forestry England track biodiversity recovery in the wild area.

Thanks to the ongoing support from Forest Holidays, Forestry England commissioned a comprehensive habitat survey of the entirety of the 6,300-hectare Wild Kielder site. This year, over the summer and autumn, a team of surveyors have mapped and undertaken a condition assessment of each habitat parcel according to standard guidelines.  Long-term vegetation monitoring plots have also been established.  This work will be a crucial addition to our baseline information supporting both decision making and monitoring change over time.​

In October 2018, wildlife camera images confirmed a pine marten in a remote area of Kielder Forest.  Since then, Forestry England has been working with partners to support the return of this native predator to the forest, restoring a vital part of the woodland eco system. 

Tina Taylor, Forestry England’s Wild Kielder Project Officer, says:

"We know through planned monitoring and reports of sightings that pine martens are increasingly moving into Kielder Forest and setting up home. With the support of Forest Holidays, Forestry England have set up a network of wildlife cameras throughout Wild Kielder. Images from the cameras will help understand which parts of the site pine martens are using.  In turn this information will help us take positive actions to ensure that pine martens stay and thrive in Kielder Forest."

With Forest Holidays’ backing, Forestry England has also carried out archaeological surveys in the Wild Kielder area. Early in 2024, one survey revealed approximately 250 heritage features that need a more detailed assessment. There will be even more research in the following months to review and expand these findings.

Tina Taylor says:

"Working together with Forest Holidays has helped the Wild Kielder project make significant strides in our understanding of the site.

“Wild Kielder will transform the landscape and develop new management strategies that will benefit Forestry England’s other wild areas. The research means we can make improvements and share knowledge, which is crucial for tackling the challenges of large-scale ecological recovery projects."

This extensive research and data collection means Forestry England can develop plans to restore natural processes and develop diverse, sustainable ecosystems at Wild Kielder. These ecosystems will reflect local biodiversity and support sustainable forest management: an approach that aligns environmental goals with economic needs.