About Coldwell Nature Reserves

Coldwell Nature Reserves was once a small reserve consisting of meadow, woodland and limestone pasture at Coldwell Parrock, which was purchased by the Landscape Trust in 2000. The reserve has been added to in recent years, including Coldwell Meadow and Coldwell Bank. Together, the reserves are sometimes referred to as the ‘Coldwell Horseshoe’.

The Coldwell Horseshoe includes land owned by the Landscape Trust and land owned by private individuals who are directly supporting the conservation of this special place. There is a 2014 Keer to Kent Article discussing the purchase of the ‘Boundary Lots’ part of the reserve, and Keer to Kent features regular updates about the Landscape Trust Reserves.

More than 300 native tree saplings have been planted on Coldwell Bank with the help of local school children to provide screening and to widen the habitat on the low hill that’s part of the new land. Paths are being managed to enhance access for visitors both on foot and horseback.

The reserve contains limestone grassland, woodland and an old limekiln. There is also a scattering of large glacial boulders as well as some limestone pavement. The site is a mixed woodland and herb rich meadow reserve in development, with access to all parts of the site. The site is managed by conservation grazing of cattle and is noted for wild flowers and butterflies. Especially interesting as a link between woodland and grassland habitats. There are great views of dark skies.

Notable features include the historic lime kiln, glacial erratics, unimproved meadow and broadleaves woodland habitats. There are some beautiful dry stone wall boundaries.

If you visit the reserve you might see:

• Eyebright
• Juniper
• Oak
• Blue Moor-grass
• Common Rock-rose
• Primrose
• Cowslip
• Fairy flax
• Wild Thyme
• Limestone Bedstraw
• Herb Paris
• Broad Leaved Helleborine
• Fallow Deer
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Chiffchaff
• Nuthatch
• Small Heath butterfly
• Brown Hairstreak

Planning a Visit

Location:Coldwell Parrock, Bank and Meadow, Coldwell Lane, Yealand Redmayne

Grid Ref: SD 47907 77690 (Ford Lane),  SD 47944 77907 (Coldwell Lane)

Postcode: LA5 0JF (Ford Lane), LA7 7LF (Coldwell Lane)

what3words: relaxing.glorified.peanut (Ford Lane) , trail.conquests.resonates (Coldwell Lane)

Wheelchair accessibility: There is a tramper route through Coldwell Meadow.

Terrain & incline: Easy with a small rise over the site including a low hill on the meadows section.

Usual visit length: It takes approx. 20 mins to briskly walk the full site, but you could spend hours exploring the reserves.

Benches: None

Dogs: Yes, but they must be kept under control at all times as the site contains livestock.

Bikes: No

Picnicking: Yes, but no BBQs

Nearest Toilets: There are public toilets on the Promenade (in Arnside, nominal charge) and on Emesgate Lane (Silverdale) – this is a 10 min drive or 1 hour brisk walk

Nearest Cafe: RSPB Leighton Moss, The Blossom Bird (Silverdale) and The Wayside Cafe (Arnside)

Public Transport:

Trains: Arnside Railway Station (50 min brisk walk), Silverdale Railways Station (1 hour brisk walk)

Buses:  No. 51 Carnforth to Silverdale (Eaves Wood is the nearest stop, ~30 min brisk walk away)

Parking: There are some roadside parking places on Ford Lane. Ford Lane is to the south east of the reserve, the road between the Yealand villages and Silverdale. There is also a small car park at Gait Barrows NNR. Coldwell Lane has few parking opportunities.

Before you visit: Make sure you’re familiar with the updated Countryside Code, so that you can stay safe and help us look after this beautiful landscape.