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Caring for Eden
Exploring Eden
Our Charity
Exploring Eden
Five people stood in open grass field each holding a large wooden scythe.
Cold Springs Scything Workshop

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Cold Springs Community Nature Reserve

Part of project: Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges

New accessible access point and paths, rest places, signage and interpretation in the wildlife garden and pond will be created. There will also be community-led habitat enhancement: ponds, trees, wildflowers, orchard. Running alongside will be a four-year series of activities and events for families, young people, local community and under-represented groups to introduce, improve, enjoy and learn about the site.

This project also seeks to link up Penrith’s green spaces with a ‘greenways map’ for Penrith.

Lead partner: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Challenge

Barriers to access

  • Physical: Steep site with no current access other than that required for farming. Limited parking.
     

  • Social: Residents are still learning about the site’s existence (helped through the consultation phase), and what they are able to do there.
     

  • This project seeks to link up Penrith’s green spaces with a ‘greenways map’ for Penrith.

So far ...

  • The circular path inside the reserve boundary is now open.

  • 50 fruit trees being planted by 30 volunteers. 

  • 600 scrubs put in on west side of the site.

  • Volunteers have made signage for the orchard and cold frames .

  • ‘Men’s Shed’ initiative aimed at developing people’s skills and improving wellbeing.

  • Access pathway completed, signage and seating development underway for circular footpath. 

  • Sessions held with Cold Springs care home, 

  • We welcomed Ullswater College and hosted ‘Young Volunteers North’.

  • Fenced off the planted areas and installed gates at the access points.  

  • Pond created and access for all footpath constructed to the pond so that residents, including those with limited mobility and young families can enjoy watching the wildlife.

  • Volunteer conservation days tree weeding, installing stiles.

  • Completed 12 plug planting days, community work with local scouts, engaging with the local council’s Wellbeing attendees and Eden Rivers Trust staff.

  • Work has begun on seating and signage with aim of opening a circular ‘dog walking path’. 

Summer 2025 update

Feature seating and viewpoint interpretation have been completed at the site are proving popular. Volunteers are taking ownership of the site, including completion of tasks themselves. Tasks completed include installation of rabbit proof fencing and planting a ‘jam hedge’. The orchard is now complete and scythed regularly, and compost bins have been constructed in the wildlife garden.

Monitoring of the site is ongoing with many species-specific surveys completed with CWT staff delivering training for volunteers. Species are showing in high numbers and surveys will inform decisions for ongoing work. Seed processing has begun, meaning the tree nursery is being populated and beginning to take shape.

Groups are now using the site independently, including a Scout Group and a council self-referral wellbeing group. Eden Vision buddies are supporting increased accessibility on site and following the success of the Summer Holiday sessions, Kids Clubs will continue through the term, run by volunteers.  

Image gallery

  • Plasticine snails and flowers in a vase sit on a wooden picnic table on a gravel path
    Kids Club activities at Cold Springs
  • Looking down on an open egg carton. The six spaces for eggs have been painted in bright primary colours, each containing a flower, leaf or item found in nature
    Nature Tot activities at Cold Springs
  • Five people stood in open grass field each holding a large wooden scythe.
    Cold Springs Scything Workshop
  • A group of people standing on a pond viewing platform looking at the water.
  • A large hawthorn tree in flower forming part of a hedgerow on grass field.
  • A group of young people in a woodworking workshop drilling and constructing a wooden bird box.

Access to Eden Doorstep Sites

Creating thriving natural spaces

Making improvements to the river environment at eight sites ‘on the doorstep’ of urban areas along the length of the river Eden.

Partners and Funders

This project is supported by the Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges partnership project led by Eden Rivers Trust with a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks also to the Garfield Weston Foundation and Penrith Town Council for their support during 2024.

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