Gowk Bank NNR
Gowk Bank NNR is one of the finest examples of traditionally managed meadow systems found in northern Britain.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 15 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
.
To view a map of this site click here: (164kb)
.
In addition to the grassland communities of the meadows and banks, the site includes alder and willow scrub on the banks and an area of acidic, boggy grassland.
The vegetation of the uncut banks is dominated by herbaceous plants, particularly wood cranesbill, but also includes a variety of other species, such as pig-nut, meadow vetchling, wood anemone, zigzag clover and great burnet. Uncommon species found here include globe-flower and melancholy thistle.
To maintain the meadow the site is grazed and the plateau areas cut for hay.
The best time to visit is in June and July.
Location and access
Gowk Bank is approximately 7 km north of the village of Gilsland on the B6318. The nearest town is Haltwhistle, on the A69, 9 km to the south east. The site is accessed via a minor road to the hill farms of Butterburn and Lampert.
The nearest train station is in Haltwhistle served by Northern Rail. For details of bus services from Haltwhistle to Gilsland go to the Traveline website.
Gilsland is on Route 72 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
The reserve is adjacent to Spadeadam Forest, an MOD Danger Area. Visitors should observe local warning signs, flags etc.
Although permission is not required to access the reserve, visitors are advised to contact the site manager in advance. For more details email Natural England's Cumbria office, or telephone 01697 350005.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages.
