Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Smardale Gill NNR occupies a 3.5-mile section of the former railway line which once ran from Tebay to Darlington. At the northern end, the reserve includes the steep wooded slopes of Scandal Beck, while south of the Smardale Gill Viaduct, its character changes to the open rolling countryside typical of the area. On the woodland floor in spring you will find bluebells, primroses, wild garlic and many fern species. In summer, birds include redstart, wood warbler and pied flycatcher, while buzzard, tree creeper and sparrowhawk are seen all year round. The limestone grassland, which has colonised the cuttings and embankments, is also very species-rich due to the underlying limestone. Unusual plants to look for here include bloody cranesbill, fragrant and butterfly orchid. Smardale Gill is one of only two sites in England where the Scotch argus butterfly can be seen. Other butterflies include dark green fritillary, common blue, northern brown argus and dingy skipper.

Location

Smardale

About the area

Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.