Wildness reclaims the Ennerdale valley

The Wild Ennerdale project allows nature to shape the landscape and wildlife of the Forest, which lies next to Ennerdale Water in the Lake District Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Human intervention at Ennerdale is minimal, but three herds of native black Galloway cattle help to graze the site
Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Thousands of trees were felled or damaged by storms in 2005. Most that survived are around 40 feet tall Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Sunlight peeks through the trees and highlights the unrestrained natural vegetation of the Forest Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

The Ennerdale valley was once covered by oak, elder and birch trees. Clearance began in the 15th century and forestry plantations lasted from the 1920s to 1990s Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Dew-dropped flowers illustrate the thriving natural environment. The Marsh Fritillary butterfly has experienced a 55 per cent decline in populations in the UK since 1970 but has had three continuous years of stable and increasing populations in the valley Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Some conifer plantations in the valley have been thinned to allow for a greater mix of woodland habitats Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Timber is also being harvested to allow for native species of trees to re-establish themselves in the valley Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Forest tracks zig-zag across the site which provide for walkers and mountain biking. Some provide dramatic views of Lake District mountains including Great Gable as well as the valleys of Wasdale and Buttermere Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

Ennerdale was a victim of human intervention including the planting of spruce forests and raising the level of the lake to allow for water extraction. The emergence of growths such as these mushrooms demonstrates that the valley is reverting to its natural state Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

A hiker surveys the untamed landscape of the area Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

The mountainous terrain of the Lake District surrounds the valley on all sides Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust

A glade in the forest bears the marks of 2005's storms Photograph: Joe Cornish/The National Trust