Smardale Gill Nature Reserve ^Featured

Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve runs along a section of disused railway line and is dominated by the magnificent structure of Smardale Viaduct. The railway cuttings and embankments have developed into limestone grassland and are rich in plant species, including rarer specimens, like bird's-eye primrose and butterfly orchid.

The reserve also has a large area of ancient, semi-natural woodland with a carpet of bluebells, primroses and wild garlic in spring. The reserve is home to a wide variety of butterflies, including the Scotch argus, which is only found on one other site in England. Red squirrels can also be seen here, and bird species such as long-tailed tit, treecreeper, pied flycatcher and wood warbler.

The grassland areas are managed by grazing, in late summer and autumn, and by cutting. In the wooded areas the Wildlife Trust is working to gradually remove non-native tree species and are coppicing some areas to allow light to the woodland floor, to increase the range of wildlife that can live there. Sponsorship of the reserve allows Cumbria Wildlife Trust to continue maintaining and developing this special site as a wildlife haven accessible to all.

location: East Lakes & Eden
project delivered by: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

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