The reserve is a rich area of neutral grassland. This small site is divided in two by the beck from which the site gets its name. Although permission is not required to access the reserve, visitors are advised to contact the site manager in advance on 01697 352819. From 1 March through to 31 July, you must keep your dog on a short leash. Main habitats: neutral grassland Features of interest Sandybeck Meadow is one of the smallest NNRs in the country. It is a rare fragment of species rich meadow habitat and offers a spectacular show during the summer months when the diverse range of flora is in bloom. There are good numbers of greater butterfly orchid on the site, predominately on the northern field. Directions The reserve is situated in the Lorton Vale about 4 km south of Cockermouth and lies just within the Lake District National Park. The meadow is located at the junction of two minor roads approximately 3 km to the east of the A5086 Cockermouth to Egremont road. Grid ref: NY134526801: OS Landranger No 89 The nearest train station is in Workington (15km to the west). For details of local bus services go to the Traveline website. The reserve is in Lorton Vale, at the junction of Sandy Beck (which drains into the river Cocker) and Mirk Lane, a minor road from the village of Brandlingill to Lanefoot Farm. By car, access to the area is via minor roads from the A5086, B5292 and B5289. Lorton Vale is on Route 71 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. Contact For more information about visiting the reserve or volunteering please contact: NorthCumbriaNNRs@naturalengland.org.uk
Natural England
Unit 4
Sycamore House
Kirkbride
Cumbria
CA7 5JZ
Natural England general enquiries:
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 6000