Three Nature Reserves accessible trail launched
A new accessible trail with free all-terrain mobility scooter hire has been launched by organisations who have worked together to devise a delightful 6-mile route for those with reduced mobility.
New ‘jewel in the crown’ trail improves access to nature in Morecambe Bay
The Three Nature Reserves accessible trail allows users to enjoy RSPB Leighton Moss, Gait Barrows and Trowbarrow Nature Reserves in the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, which straddles the Cumbria/Lancashire border.
The route, starting at RSPB Leighton Moss Visitor Centre, takes in some of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats and stunning landscapes and offers easy access to the largest area of reedbed in the North West, home to many iconic birds such as Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits.
From Leighton Moss, the route leads to Trowbarrow Local Nature Reserve where fascinating fossils exposed by past limestone quarrying can be spotted, along with Bee and Fly Orchids. It goes on to Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve, one of Britain’s most important limestone landscapes and is home to unique butterflies such as the Duke of Burgundy Fritillary. It then goes through Coldwell Meadows, managed by the Arnside and Silverdale Landscape Trust, where limestone grasslands and traditional hay-meadows present a riot of summer flower displays. From booming Bitterns to/blooming Bird’s-foot Trefoil the reserves provide habitat for a multitude of flowering plants and wildlife, creating a sensory experience for people to enjoy and savour.
The trail finale goes through limestone woodland with veteran Yews, an ancient limekiln and far-reaching views across Silverdale Moss to Arnside Tower – arguably one of the best vistas in the National Landscape.
The route is challenging, along a mix of both surfaced and unsurfaced paths, but with the right equipment and support, visitors can now enjoy a truly off-road experience without surfaced paths that takes you into the wilderness. For easy and comfortable access to this adventurous and rugged route, three all-terrain mobility scooters (Trampers) are available to hire, free of charge, from RSPB Leighton Moss.
Place-based charity Morecambe Bay Partnership has worked with Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, Arnside and Silverdale Landscape Trust, Bay Search and Rescue, Natural England and RSPB to create more inclusive access, so more people can enjoy the Bay’s inspiring landscapes, nature, history and culture. The creation of the route and purchase, maintenance and insurance of the mobility vehicles was funded through a grant from the Coastal Communities Fund awarded to Morecambe Bay Partnership in 2021.
Sarah Mason, CEO at Morecambe Bay Partnership said “We are delighted that this accessible trail is now open for all to enjoy. The benefits of getting out into nature to experience the beauty of the landscape are immeasurable and now people who have difficulty accessing the countryside can have a real adventure with their friends and family with the added bonus of refreshments in the Leighton Moss cafe at the end.’’
RSPB Senior Site manager Jarrod Sneyd said “This route launch is another milestone in wider collaboration to make this special landscape bigger, better and more connected for people and wildlife. It’s a strong model of joined-up delivery between nature conservation and community organisations and demonstrates our shared ownership and aspirations for our landscape.”
A launch event took place on Tuesday 12 May at Leighton Moss Nature Reserve, where the route was officially opened by RSPB CEO, Beccy Speight and Natural England’s Cumbria Deputy Director Helen Kirkby. Lizzi Collinge MP was also present alongside a whole host of Tramper volunteers, partner organisations, local councillors and regular visitors who use the Tramper service at RSPB Leighton Moss.
