Carlisle Nature Spot Celebrates Roman History And Railway Heritage
A Carlisle woodland green space has been transformed with new paths, seating and heritage features celebrating its Roman, railway and natural history.
The improvements have been delivered at Engine Lonning through work involving Eden Rivers Trust, the local community, the landowner and Cumberland Council. The site sits alongside the Hadrian's Wall Path and has been developed to make it easier for more people to enjoy.
The upgraded route includes an accessible path designed to improve access for people using wheelchairs and families with pushchairs. New seating and information signs have also been installed throughout the area.
The project brings together Carlisle's Roman and railway heritage through a series of specially designed artworks and features, including railway track way markers and a Roman coin shaped picnic table.
The site has strong connections with Carlisle's railway history because it was formerly home to the Canal Shed locomotive yard. Sections of railway track donated by Network Rail have been incorporated into the project and reshaped to create distinctive markers along the trail.
Ulverston based artist Chris Brammall created the railway inspired markers and also produced the Roman coin shaped picnic table using repurposed sandstone. The table has been designed so wheelchair users can comfortably use it.
Wildlife and local history have also been incorporated into the design. Mosaic artist Helen Clues created a collection of wildlife mosaics, while stone carver Tony Crellin added Roman coin motifs to a sandstone wall.
The project aims to make the green space more accessible while giving visitors a better understanding of the history surrounding Engine Lonning and the wider Carlisle area.The improvements were supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and have involved contributions from several organisations and members of the local community.
Eden Rivers Trust chief executive Harvey Hamilton Thorpe said the former railway yard was an important part of the area's community history, with generations of local families having connections to employment at the site.
A discovery day is now planned at Engine Lonning on Sunday, September 6, running from noon until 4pm. The free event will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the improved site and learn more about its heritage.
Organisers hope the investment will encourage more people to visit and enjoy the peaceful woodland while discovering the stories connected to its past.
The project also demonstrates how improvements to local green spaces can combine accessibility, environmental features and heritage interpretation, creating places that can be enjoyed by a wider section of the community.
With its new facilities and distinctive artwork, Engine Lonning is set to become a more accessible destination for people exploring Carlisle's natural surroundings and historic landscape.
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