It is the hoped the lab will become a hub for upland research
A new, purpose-built laboratory will serve as a base for scientists, universities and students to investigate Cumbria's upland landscapes, and how they respond to nature recovery.
It is hoped the research facility at RSPB Wild Haweswater, in Penrith, will become a hub for upland science, bringing researchers and conservationists together to carry out fieldwork, share expertise, and develop new collaborations.
The lab was funded by the estate of the late ornithologist Denis Summers-Smith.
"We want to build on Denis's commitment to field ecology and conservation research, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit both science and nature recovery in Cumbria and beyond," said RSPB's Will Peach.
The new lab will support current research through Cumbria Connect, whose work and scientific monitoring spans Wild Haweswater, the Lowther estate and the Lowther Valley.
Dr Mo Verhoeven, conservation scientist at Cumbria Connect, explained how the region's landscape is made up of a number of distinctive environments, including peatlands and rainforest, which play a key role in storing carbon and managing water.
"Cumbria's uplands are incredibly important for nature recovery," he said.
"We hope this laboratory will give researchers, students and conservationists a place to work together and build the evidence needed to guide restoration, both here in Cumbria and in upland landscapes further afield.
"It's about making Cumbria a much stronger base for upland science."
"Just as importantly, it will help train the next generation of environmental scientists," he said.
Cumbria Connect is part of a scheme paid for by the Arcadia Fund which was co-founded by one of the heirs to the Tetra Pak fortune.
Follow BBC Cumbria on X, external, Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external and listen to Radio Cumbria on BBC Sounds.
Do you have a story suggestion for BBC Cumbria?
'Handsome' ponies helping delicate flowers thrive
Wild Haweswater
Winter-proof your business
Brampton scouts learn online safety in new broadband provider workshop
Council rejects controversial housing plans over red squirrel concerns
Farmer banned for drink driving after watching solar eclipse with friends
Two vehicles seized over SORN and nearly two years of unpaid tax
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition coming to West Cumbria
Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC
Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch urges PM to overturn ban on new oil and gas licences
Websites taken down worldwide as critical cyber-security update issued
Russia says it is ready to resume talks with Ukraine and US to end war
Orionid meteor shower to peak in UK skies into Thursday
Author Helen Fielding launches award to find the next Bridget Jones's Diary
Best friends despite a 54-year age gap
'Like Hilary Swank, I had a baby in my fifties'
Mum upset by 'heartless' decision as daughter can no longer have wheelchair
Where to spot brilliant colours after 'false autumn' spoils some leaf displays
'I thought I just had a cold – but I lost part of my leg to sepsis'
Hastings residents say they are struggling to get Bayeux Tapestry tickets
US Politics Unspun: Cut through the noise with Anthony Zurcher's newsletter
First look: Bob and Paul cast off for a new adventure
Martin Lewis answers your big money questions
The new series of the Bafta-winning police drama is here
Derren Brown unlocks the extraordinary world of Harry Houdini
Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
About the Author
