Seasonal highlights on the nature reserve 

Spring		Plants: primrose, bluebells, ramsons, may blossom  Birds: dipper
Summer		Orchids: greater butterfly, heath fragrant, melancholy thistle   Birds: dipper
Autumn		Birds: long tailed tit
Winter
All year		Mammals: red squirrel, roe deer, General: a lovely place to visit for the beck, waterfalls and pools and the tranquil atmosphere all year round. Disused coal mines.

Overview

Over many millennia Argill Beck has carved a steep-sided valley as it winds its way from Stainmore to the River Eden. Due to its steep, inaccessible nature, parts of the nature reserve have probably been wooded since medieval times, providing a sanctuary for woodland plants and animals.

What to see

On limestone soils ash and birch woodland is found with wild garlic and dog's mercury. On the more neutral soils, bluebell and wood sorrel is abundant, whilst oak and birch dominate the canopy above. Mature trees provide food and nesting places for bats and a variety of birds such as greater spotted woodpecker, spotted and pied flycatcher, tree creeper, redstart and numerous species of tit. Dead wood is an important component of this habitat, as many creatures need it for food and shelter.

Despite its inaccessibility, small-scale coal mining took place on the site in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and evidence of this can still be seen on the nature reserve. Historically, small areas of the woodland were cleared to create meadows and, as these have never been 'agriculturally improved', they have many species of wild flower including greater butterfly and fragrant orchid, wood cranesbill, and melancholy thistle. The Trust manages these with a combination of cutting and grazing, whilst keeping livestock out of the woodland to promote woodland regeneration. 

Recent History

Argill Woods was purchased in two parts in 1984 and 1986 with grant aid from the Worldwide Fund for Nature, the Countryside Commission and donations from Trust members.