The Shap Outdoor Festival 2025 (SOF25) returns this spring for a month-long celebration of nature, wildlife and conservation, running from Saturday 26 April to Sunday 25 May. We’re delighted to take part again and this year, the festival will spotlight Cumbria’s temperate rainforests – a rare and remarkable ecosystem found right here at Wild Haweswater, in the Lowther Valley and beyond.
Many people are unaware that Cumbria is home to these rich, lush ancient woodlands, but they are among the UK’s most important natural landscapes, supporting a rich variety of wildlife.
This year’s festival will celebrate these extraordinary forests and highlight ongoing recovery efforts through an exciting programme of events, that will introduce locals and visitors to these vital, yet often overlooked woodlands, raising awareness of their fragility and celebrating the incredible work being done to protect them.
Festival highlights include:
Main Exhibition – The Shap Old Courthouse’s Exhibit ‘A’ Gallery will host a month-long exhibition in collaboration with the #Species Survival Fund Rainforest Project led by the Woodland Trust, in partnership with Plantlife, Cumbria Connect, Cumbria Woodlands and other partners. This project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies.
The exhibition will showcase the beauty, biodiversity and importance of temperate rainforests, with a particular focus on our very own Naddle Forest and the wider Lowther Valley.
Farmers’ Market Days – On Saturday 26 April and Saturday 24 May, Shap’s popular Farmers’ Market will be filled with local produce, crafts and artisan foods, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the community spirit while supporting local businesses.
Guided Walks and Nature Experiences – Visitors can join expert-led walks through ancient woodlands, take part in our Not Quite the Dawn Chorus Walk, observe Red Squirrels at Shap Wells, or experience the calming effects of Full Moon Forest Bathing at Burnbanks Woodland.
Nature Talks – A series of fascinating talks at The Old Courthouse will feature conservation experts discussing topics such as temperate rainforests, living with beavers and the science of nature conservation.
Family Nature Explorers – On Sunday 18 May, families can take part in a fun-filled day of sensory woodland activities at Burnbanks Woodland, introducing children to the wonders of nature through hands-on activities and exploration outdoors.
This year’s festival is made possible thanks to partnerships with local conservation organisations, including Cumbria Connect, the RSPB at Wild Haweswater, Lowther Conservation, the Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group and Cumbria Lichens & Bryophytes Group all of whom are working tirelessly to protect and restore nature in the Lowther Valley and the wildlife that depends on it.
“Many people don’t realise that temperate rainforests exist in Cumbria, and even fewer know about the incredible habitats right here in the Lowther Valley. This year’s festival is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase these hidden gems, raise awareness about their conservation, and inspire people to appreciate and protect the natural wonders on our doorstep. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we hope this year’s festival will help people connect with the beauty and diversity of our natural environment.”
– Patrick Neaves, Shap Outdoor Festival Co-ordinator, is excited to raise awareness of the area’s temperate rainforests“I’m thrilled to showcase our efforts to protect and expand Cumbria’s temperate rainforests as part of this popular festival. These vital ecosystems are key to biodiversity and climate resilience and the Shap Outdoor Festival is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about their importance. Join us to see the incredible work being done and explore the beauty of these rare landscapes right here in the Lowther Valley.”
– Bill Kenmir, Conservation Manager at Cumbria Connect
To discover the full programme of events in the Shap Outdoor Festival 2025 and to book your place, please visit theoldcourthouse.org/
Images of the temperate rainforest of Naddle Forest by Mark Williamson Photography
– Blog by Bailey Lamburn, Communications Manager for Cumbria Connect
