Borrowdale: England's biggest temperate rainforest becomes a nature reserve

Welcome to Borrowdale - home to England's biggest rainforest

Did you know that there are rainforests in the UK?

The biggest one in England is about to become a protected nature reserve, after a decision by Natural England and the National Trust.

Borrowdale a temperate rainforest, the term for rainforests in colder climates such as the UK.

Large parts of the UK were once temperate rainforests, but centuries of deforestation - for farming, wood and building - means just 1% of the original rainforests are left.

What is a temperate rainforest?

Temperate rainforests in the UK are home to all sorts of moss, lichen, fern and water-loving plants

Temperate rainforests are usually found in wet and mild climates. A few of the ones we have left in the UK are found close to the coast, because the weather conditions are more regular there.

The rainy weather in the UK is ideal for these rainforests.

As well Borrowdale, in the Lake District, there are rainforests in Brecon Beacons in Wales, and Dartmoor in Devon.

Temperate rainforests are usually very mossy - which means they can be home to thousands of lichen and other wildlife that thrives in moist conditions. All this greenery means plenty of food and homes for animals and insects.

Last year, the government announced a plan to bring back our ancient rainforests, and help them grow.

The Lake District rainforest

In Borrowdale, in the Lake District, there's a new plan that aims to keep the temperate rainforest safe.

The National Trust and Natural England - which get to decide which areas become nature reserves - said it needs conserving and restoring.

This means helping more trees grow, providing safe habitats for animals, and making sure the land is managed.

Borrowdale is home to plenty of wildlife - including rare birds like the pied flycatcher, and special native animals like the red squirrel.

The National Trust also plans to look after some of the paths that go through the forest.

Borrowdale, being in the Lake District, is a very popular place for walkers and nature-lovers.