A 10.1 hectare semi-natural, council-owned Green Space on the south bank of the River Eden in Carlisle. Mainly woodland with some grassland glades. Prior to that the site included part of the 10-mile long Carlisle Ship Canal – now infilled and part of the (wet) woodland. Its heritage dates back to the Roman era, encompassing the course of Hadrian’s Wall and its associated National Trail. A network of Public Rights of Way (PRoW), permissive paths and informal trails criss-cross the woods.

Planned path improvements and new interpretation for the site will exist beyond the life of the four year project allowing subsequent generations of local families to get to know and use the site. Events, capital work and volunteering activities undertaken during the project will have a focus on engaging long-term local beneficiaries, volunteers and project partners, working with Eden Rivers Trust (on rivers) and with Carlisle Waverley Viaduct Trust (on railway history and conservation).

Spring / Summer 2024 Activities

• Trialled a woodland learning programme with 4 classes from Newtown Primary School, the first time they have used the woods (literally just across the road!) for learning
• Held a Community ‘Discovery Day’ event, delivered with project partners Cumberland Council and Carlisle Waverley Viaduct Trust, attended by over 120 people of all ages – nature detectives trail, bug hunts, Roman artefacts and Railway Yard; and an opportunity to share the great news of the project!
• Attended other community events within the city, to raise the profile of the site and the project
• Activities with Outdoor Adventure group from Beaumont College (SEND)
• Welcomed volunteers of all ages to our Engine Lonning Balsam Bash
• Attended the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme summer event held in Raffles district in Carlisle

In pictures…

This project is supported by the Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges partnership project led by Eden Rivers Trust with a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.