natural environment of carlisle...

Bitts Park

Carlisle's premier park, located next to the castle and the River Eden (awarded a Green Flag Award in 2007). Children's play area with interactive water feature, sandpit, crazy golf and electric car track. Tennis courts, bowling and putting greens. Japanese garden, herb gardens and leylandii maze. Refreshment kiosk (summer only). An Eden Benchmark sculpture entitled Towards the Sea by Hideo Furuta is on the banks of the River Eden.

Rickerby Park

Landscaped rural park with open vistas, mature trees and walks along the River Eden. The trees are said to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, with each tree representing the position of a battalion during the battle.

Kingmoor Nature Reserve

Large area of natural woodland, designated as a nature reserve in 1914. Mature oak and beech trees are set among meandering paths, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The name ‘Kingmoor' refers to when Edward III donated the area to the city as common land for everyone to enjoy. Citizens were granted rights to graze sheep and cut peat for fuel, and to enjoy the spectacle of horse racing. Leaflet from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre.

Hammond's Pond

Created out of old clay pits, this is now one of Carlisle's best-loved parks. Ideal for walking and boating (awarded a Green Flag in 2007). Take a ride on a miniature steam train (weekends only), try out the specially built BMX track or enjoy the colourful spectacle of cockatoos, parakeets and budgies in the aviary. Café and adventure playground. Open from 8.30 to dusk every day.

Carlisle Cemetery

Beautifully landscaped Victorian cemetery set among specimen trees and wildlife areas. A fascinating guide to the cemetery describes the many features of interest and explains Victorian symbolism in death and the ‘social ordering' of burials. The first woodland burial area in the UK is also here - each grave marked by an oak tree grown from Cumbrian acorns. Open all year round from 9.00 to dusk.

  

Wreay Woods

Woodland nature reserve on the banks of the River Petteril, managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Parking in layby on A6 near Scalesceugh Hall (NY 450 497) or at picnic area (NY 436 514) on the road to Dalston from Junction 42 of M6 motorway. Access is also possible by public footpath from Wreay village.