Harrington Nature Reserve
Harrington Nature Reserve is
the one of two Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in the Workington area.
The reserve consists of two rare meadows, pretty woodland
walks and a reservoir that dates to 1863. The
site is very popular with wildlife and the local
community.
Located in between Harrington and Salterbeck, the main entrance
to the reserve is off Moorclose Road in Harrington, but there is
also an entrance from the West Cumbria Cycleway and from
Brierydale, Harrington.
What is a Local Nature Reserve?
A Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is an area of land protected
for it's contribution towards wildlife, geology, education or
public enjoyment. There are over 1400 LNRs across England for both
people and wildlife to enjoy. Two of these sites are in Allerdale -
Harrington Nature Reserve and Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve.
Who's involved?
As well as the ranger provided by Allerdale Borough Council,
a team of dedicated staff and volunteers have been working
hard over the years to enhance various aspects of the reserve.
Volunteers have so far helped with hay cutting and bailing,
clearing scrub, footpath construction and litter picking.
The Friends of Harrington Nature Reserve are always looking for
new volunteers. If you are interested please phone the parks
department on 01900 702 702 or email parks.development@allerdale.gov.uk
for further information. You could also join the
Friends at one of their monthly meetings - the group
meets at 6:30 pm on the third Tuesday of every month at the Alcan
Factory off Moorclose Road, Harrington.
Young people are especially welcome and a number of youth
environmental 'volunteers' are actively involved, including; Youth
Works, Millennium Volunteers, local schools, Mobex and
Connexions.
The Friends of Harrington Nature Reserve also have a website
that gives further information on the reserve and activities.
Please feel free to browse it at http://www.harrington-nature-reserve.org.uk/homewelcome.htm.
The wildlife and
history of Harrington LNR
Harrington Reservoir LNR consists of a mosaic of high quality
habitats. The reserve sits in the narrow Ellerbeck valley and
consequently many habitats have a strong association with
'wetlands'. The reserve has direct links with Harrington's
industrial heritage as the reservoir was actually constructed in
1863 to supply water for nearby iron works. In more recent times,
'The Rezzer' was used as a boating lake before being left to
nature.
If you begin at the West Cumbria Cycleway and follow the
Ellerbeck downstream, you will pass though tall herb communities,
mixed scrub, woodland, meadow, Reed bed, willow Carr before finally
coming to 'The Rezzer'.
The generally wet conditions enable water loving plants to
flourish, including; marsh marigold, sawort and meadowsweet. There
is evidence that parts of the woodland are 'ancient', that is, part
of the woodland has probably been here for over 400 years. Woodland
plants including bluebell, wood anemone, Ramsons, lesser celandine
and wood sorrel carpet the floor from March through to May.
The diverse range of habitats attracts an equally diverse fauna.
The shallow water, willow Carr and marginal vegetation surrounding
'The Rezzer' attracts Dragonflies, numerous ducks, swans and
birds including Sedge and Willow warbler and Chiff chaff.
Kingfishers are also spotted along the Ellerbeck throughout
summer.
The two 'unimproved' meadows are now rare in the west Cumbria
region. Unlike other grasslands that may have been 'improved' for
farming or drained, these meadows have never been affected by
agriculture and have retained many unique and now rare plants.
Small mammals including Voles, Mice and Moles have been seen in the
meadow whilst declining bird species including yellowhammer breed
during the summer months. Sparrowhawks and kestrels are seen
frequently whilst bats are on the wing during warmer summer
evenings.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the reserve. Please
remember to place your litter in the bins provided and, if bringing
a dog, to keep it on a leash and pick up after it. By helping us in
this way you are helping to preserve the reserve for future
generations.