Petteril Valley – The River vs the Railway
The riverbank footpaths and railway embankment above them need repairing and protecting from the river and ever-increasing heavy rain/storm events. We are working together to find the best possible solution for all.
Join us at Petteril Bank Community Hall to find out about and feedback on the options. Share local knowledge of the river valley that could be important – e.g. site-specific information that we might not yet know about. A warm brew and cake and biscuits awaits you. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Petteril Bank Community Hall – On-street parking. The community hall is fully accessible.
Meade Road, Petteril Bank, Carlisle CA1 3BX. https://what3words.com/super.wash.shine
1.30 pm and 6.00 pm: Illustrated talks – a look at the problems / challenges and the options to protect the railway line and public footpaths; Q&A. The event is aimed at adults, although families who use the site are of course more than welcome to attend.
3.00 pm – river valley walk, to discuss issues and options on-site.
If you’d like to join the walk down into the river valley, please come prepared with plenty of layers / warm clothes with a waterproof coat (or clothing appropriate for weather forecast) and sturdy waterproof footwear. wellies / walking boots – you’ll know if you walk through the site!
The Walk to site requires a level of fitness and stability, as walking up and down a hill and on uneven ground, at times beside the river. The walk is aimed at people who regularly walk in the valley, so this should be ok.
The Problem
The meandering river is damaging both the railway line embankment and the public footpaths running alongside it. This is putting both the West Coast mainline and public access in the valley at risk and something needs to be done to prevent further damage. We also want to help improve and protect this important wild-space on the edge of the city – for the people who regularly enjoy using it and the wildlife that calls it home.
A study is being carried out to find out what the options for repairing and protecting the riverbanks, railways embankment and public footpaths and helping the river valley function better as a natural floodplain.
The Petteril Vale site is featured as a ‘doorstep site’ in our Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges partnership project, led by Eden Rivers Trust. We’re working to remove the barriers that prevent people and wildlife from accessing the natural heritage of East Cumbria and ‘build the bridges’ needed so that they enjoy and thrive in, on and beside Eden’s rivers. At Petteril Vale, we’re working to reconnect the river with the floodplain to enhanced wildlife areas, a place where the community relishes the river.
This community-driven urban river restoration will enhance the river and wildlife habitat along the river Petteril where city meets countryside. With potential for habitat improvement such as ponds, invasive non-native species removal and native tree planting, once complete, this area will be home to a wider diversity of wildlife and be a much nicer place for the community to visit.
