Sandybeck Meadow NNR
Sandybeck Meadow NNR has an area of 0.4 ha and is Natural England's smallest National Nature Reserve.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 1 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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To download a leaflet describing this site click here: (1.21mb)
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The reserve is a rich area of neutral grassland with a stream, the Sandy Beck, running through the middle. Over 70 plant species have been recorded at the site.
The main grassland community is dominated by sweet vernal grass, crested dog's-tail and red fescue, with pignut, great burnet, yellow rattle, wood anemone, yarrow and ribwort plantain. Common bistort and butterfly orchid are also found at the site.
The site north of Sandy Beck is slightly wetter and supports tufted hair-grass, reed canary-grass, creeping bent, carnation sedge, meadowsweet and species of rush.
To maintain the grassland the meadow is cut for hay and grazed.
Spring and Summer are the best times to visit.
Location and access
The reserve is in Lorton Vale, at the junction of Sandy Beck (which drains into the river Cocker) and Mirk Lane, a minor road from the village of Brandlingill to Lanefoot Farm. By car, access to the area is via minor roads from the A5086, B5292 and B5289.
The nearest train station is in Workington (15 km to the west) served by Northern Rail. For details of local bus services go to the Traveline website.
Lorton Vale is on Route 71 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Although permission is not required to access the reserve, visitors are advised to contact the site manager in advance. For details email Natural England's Cumbria office, or telephone 01697 350005.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
