An urban oasis: bringing nature to Kingmoor
DATE:
2022 / 2023
LOCATION:
Kingmoor South, Carlisle, Cumbria
PARTNERS:
Cumberland Council
Case studies >> An Urban Oasis
Bringing nature to Kingmoor
Aims
Create a mixture of woodland and grassland over the 13.5ha site.
Open up public access to previously inaccessible fields.
Improve habitat through better connectivity and species diversity.
Build infrastructure for access and create a public right of way through the area.
The sea of flowers and grass punctuated by newly planted trees is a huge contrast to the traditional grazing at Kingmoor South. The site has undergone a huge transformation in a short space of time. The cows have gone, trees are planted and the public now has access to 13.5 hectares of additional open space.
Owned by Cumberland Council and championed by Jon May (the Green Spaces Team Leader), Kingmoor South's true potential is finally being realised. Cattle need to graze, but in this precious enclave of open space and woodland, the balance has shifted. The pressure of development has highlighted the needs of the local community and the needs of the environment. It was time for a change.
The small income the council had from renting the fields is now offset against the huge benefits to people and place. The catalyst for this project was Jon, who has been involved in managing Kingmoor for over 20 years. "It's a project I've always wanted to do," says Jon. "It’s mature woodland surrounded by three central fields rented out annually with a minimum financial return to the council."
The plan was simple but has taken time to come to fruition, in no small part to the flexible funding from Raise: Cumbria Community Forest. By taking the cattle off the grassland, the soil has shown its hand, and flowers have come through. A period of denitrification is needed, so the grass will be cut and removed over the coming years, which will increase the diversity of species leading to the development of Hay Meadow and Species Rich Grassland.
Trees have been planted to allow for a mosaic of habitats, from closed canopy woodland to more spaced trees and open areas for the grassland to flourish. The mature woodland areas around the fields will now be linked and create a much larger area of habitat for nature to thrive.
Paths are being put in to allow easy access for visitors along with benches and interpretation signs to follow. Funding from Cumbria Community Forest covers all of this and even will pay for the removal of 2.5km of agricultural fencing. The whole project will also be celebrated with an opera being performed in the summer.
Planting has been a team effort, with local schools and residents getting involved with the huge task. They've had hugely positive feedback from the residents and associations, largely due to increasing public access, and with the right of way going in, it will ensure access for the future.
The immediate impact is people can go out and enjoy these spaces. The main area of Kingmoor South is a closed canopy woodland so the huge areas of open space are the biggest change for the general public. Local people are still keen to be involved and take ownership and check on trees and tubes.
55
Volunteers
8518
Number of trees
12.16
Hectares of woodland planted
Project Impact
Public access and management:
13.5ha of land is now open to the public with paths and infrastructure
coming soon.Right of way to be put in to make public access permanent.
Removal of 2.5km of agricultural fencing.
Engagement, health and wellbeing:
Volunteer groups involved with planting and maintenance.
A greater area for public to explore and accommodate more people
walking and spending time outside.
Enhancing wildlife:
Previously grazed grassland will be slowly returned to species-rich
grassland through denitrification.Woodland and parkland-style planting will link up surrounding mature woodland.
Innovative delivery practices:
A mixture of tree planting densities.
Testing out small/short tree guards in some areas to reduce plastic.