Engine Lonning Discovery Day 2025
Do you live within walking distance of Engine Lonning in Carlisle? Why not drop in and ‘go wild’ in your local woodland!
A wild afternoon out for all ages – whether you’re interested in woodland wildlife, uncovering the past or lending a hand bashing a bit of balsam. Drop in any time between 12pm and 4pm.
- Venue: Engine Lonning
- Dates: Sun 17th August
- Times: 12pm-4pm
Activities include:
Explore the ‘wild woods’ with us! Become a nature detective and find out which creatures call this special place home. You can learn about the trees and plants too – and how Engine Lonning might have looked when the Romans were in Carlisle.
The Romans were here! Learn about Roman life in Carlisle and dress up as a Roman!
- A table with objects for handling from the Roman site at Carlisle Cricket Club
- Costumes / replica kit for the kids and adults to wear
- Information on about the Roman site in Carlisle
Hidden Histories. Have a go at Stone Carving. – Experience a direct connection with the past by making your mark in stone. We’ll be re-using reclaimed materials to help bring history to life in a fun and creative way. Learn your craft with Tony Crellin, experienced stone mason.
Mosaic Making. – Become a ‘mosaicist’ (easy for some to say!), using a technique used by the Romans to celebrate what is special about Engine Lonning. Be guided by talented Mosaic artist Helen Clues
Steam Engine ‘Canal Shed’ history. Step back in time to the Victorian era when steam engines lived and breathed life into Engine Lonning. take a guided walk around the site of ‘Canal Shed’ with a local historian.
‘Bash the Balsam!’ Have fun, let off steam and do your bit for nature! Join Jenni, our Volunteer Coordinator and some of our ERT volunteers to help us clear Engine Lonning of Himalayan balsam. This invasive non-native species stops native plants from growing and contributes to the erosion of riverbanks. Never bashed balsam before? Don’t worry, we’ll show you how and it’s really easy!
Everyone welcome. (U18s must be accompanied by an adult)
No parking at/near the site. Please walk or use public transport.
Please note, there aren’t any toilet facilities at Engine Lonning.
To help you make the most of your visit:
Everybody is welcome, however under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Wear/bring wellies/sturdy shoes and old clothing you can ‘explore’ the woods in!
Getting here:
Engine Lonning lies to the west of Carlisle city centre, next to the River Eden, just downstream from where the River Caldew flows into it.
Postcode: CA2 7NX
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Please note, there isn’t any parking at, or near the woodland site. Please walk or use public transport to get here.
Find us in the clearing at the end of the lane accessed from main entrance.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tania Crockett, Learning Coordinator on 01768 866788 or email [email protected]
This event is supported by Access to Eden: Breaking barriers, building bridges partnership project led by Eden Rivers Trust with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
