The challenge, our approach and progress made
Challenge
Described by some local residents as “an oasis of calm on the edge of the city” and by others as, “a confusing unsafe space with very difficult access”.
Approach
We are working with project partners Cumberland Council and Carlisle Waverley Viaduct Trust to address perceptions through engagement with users and by addressing issues at the site such as rough, bad paths, steep areas without steps, broken steps, waterlogging on main track and limited parking.
Working with the community and landowner ,Cumberland Council who will be installing a new accessible path, rest places, signage and interpretation that will celebrate the natural, railway and Roman heritage of the site.
Over the four years of the project there will be a series of activities and events for families, young people and the local community to introduce, improve, enjoy and learn about the site. There will be resources and information online too.
Progress highlights last quarter: Jan 2026 - Mar 2026
- A 'Hidden Histories' event was held to unveil plans for the new accessible discovery trail and designs from Chris Brammall CB Arts, Ulverston.
- Additional 'Lend a Hand' days held to clear bramble and prepare site for accessible pathway
- A summer Lend-a-Hand programme in place focussed on Balsam Bashing mid-week and weekends to enhance woodland habitat.
- Chris Brammall, CB Arts, an experienced and skilled Cumbria-based metalworker, with an impressive record of delivering site-based interpretive installations bringing industrial heritage to life (across the UK) has been recruited to design and install interpretation pieces at the site.
- Network Rail have donated 50m of redundant rail for use. CB Arts have collected (from Preston), ready for transforming it into interpretive waymarking and seating features.
- Large sandstone blocks, used by Romans in ancient Carlisle have been donated by Cumberland Council for use within the project. CB Arts have selected some for use within the seating and interpretive features on the trail.
- Helen Clues (Mosaic Artist) and Tony Crellin (Stone Carver) will create artistic interventions as part of discovery trail and will be involved in community engagement activities.
- Cumberland Council have appointed contractors to create an accessible pathway around the site.
Progress highlights to date: Apr 2024 - Dec 2026
- A talk was delivered to Carlisle Natural History Society about the sites history and Access project plans.
- Newtown Primary School pulled out all stops to bring the whole of class (30x 7-9 year olds) to Engine Lonning to join a mid-week ‘Lend a Hand Day’
- Two Lend-a-Hand days were well supported by 18 individuals with a focus on revealing Canal Shed buildings: flooring, turntables and inspection pits.
- Featured in an ITV Border Special Episode programme about the Waverley Line: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17XVCa32yv/
- Hidden Histories drop-in event celebrated the site’s industrial railway heritage.
- Forging connections with with Tullie House.
- Work with Beaumont College (SEND).
- Woodland learning programme with Newtown Primary School.
- Community ‘Discovery Day’.
- Welcomed volunteers of all ages to Engine Lonning Balsam Bashes.
- Attended Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) summer programme.
- The focus this summer has been the removal of Himalayan Balsam. Around 50% of the west of Engine Lonning was ‘bashed’ this year.
- ERT led volunteer sessions are now being attended by Cumberland Council Greenspace volunteers.
- This year’s Discovery Day community event at Engine Lonning provided opportunities for the public to have a go at stone carving and mosaic making to interpret the history of the site, alongside other activities including railway history guided tours, wild play in the woods and a nature trail. We we delighted to welcome 130 people on the day.
