Urban wildlife sites contribute to the Trust’s vision of a bigger and better quality, joined up approach for nature’s recovery, and are green corridors between nature-depleted areas. 

What are green corridors and why are they important?

‘Green corridors’ is a term used for physically connecting green and blue spaces.

Wildlife that is isolated can become weakened and ultimately die out – even species that can fly need rest stops and food sources en route. So, simply having green spaces spread out in a few giant locations doesn’t ensure that wildlife thrives. 

That’s why every garden, window sill and balcony is valuable. And ensuring towns have that space is essential for nature. 

Green space in towns also increases value in many other ways. Trees help keep streets cool and are a huge part of flood prevention. Climate stress and pollution are both eased by plants. 

Green space adds value to a neighbourhood, with house prices being much higher in areas with access to greenery. And this is all without looking at both the physical and mental health benefits to people. 

Time in nature reduces stress, increases energy levels and decreases your risk of heart disease. Involvement in this can increase wellbeing in many ways as you might find a new interest; help your community; make new friends or learn a new skill. 

A 15 hectare former farm, Cold Springs Community nature reserve was gifted to Cumbria Wildlife Trust in 2017 by Ann and Brian Clark. The site borders the edge of Penrith, and following a new housing development, is surrounded by residential streets on three sides.

It was hoped that this space would provide:

• A key wildlife corridor in an otherwise nature-depleted and built-up area
• An opportunity for residents lacking in nature connection to have green space on their doorstep
• A model for nature reserves to be managed by volunteers
• A place for Cumbria Wildlife Trust to create engagement opportunities which removed the barrier of travel, including accessibility, motivation, travel cost and travel time
• Education and outreach opportunities to take action for nature in simple, practical yet tangible terms

An extensive consultation was carried out to inspire interest and generate ideas for the reserve from the people who would be using it, and benefitting from it.

Over the first two years, 2000 trees and 6000 plants were planted. Gates, stiles and paths were installed, as well as 7 ponds. We installed a community orchard and wildlife garden, and restored the site’s historic well. 

A 2km/1.5miles circular route, opened in January 2025, runs along the West and North sides of the reserve and links to a public right of way. This path was opened ahead of a full reserve opening, to allow the public to ‘get used to' the only dog-friendly section of the reserve, and to open up possibilities for public connection as early as possible.

The route includes spectacular views over Penrith and the surrounding fells, but is not suitable for a fully-accessible path due to gradient and camber. As might be expected within a space for nature, this meant the path was left as ‘natural’, mostly grass-covered, ground. 

It was well-utilised almost immediately and, within 6 months of opening, volunteer counters recorded up to 50 people per day using the route. At 18 months from opening, this number has increased to 65.

Since then, a 1.5km/1mile accessible path has been installed on the south side of the reserve. The site was opened in full in May 2025.

Positive outcomes

The unexpectedly high volume of foot traffic offers insight into a strong desire for green space that is accessible without travel. 

A survey might be considered to discover if users always walked/went outside and have simply changed route to utilise a new (or better) site, or whether users are actively getting outside more as a result of the new availability. The volume of users suggests more a need than desire for access to green space. 

The space is being used not just by individuals, but also groups independent of work and events run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Known groups to be regularly using the space are the Westmorland & Furness council Health & Wellbeing team, conducting Wellbeing Walks; at least three Scout and Squirrel groups; independent Tai Chi classes. 

The Cold Springs Engagement Officer has found the route useful as an engagement tool. Many people within the area are aware of the site and the work of the Trust due to having walked the route. 

Several volunteers and event attendees have stated the route as their reason for hearing about an event or the work of the Trust. For example, three separate people or groups (out of 112 interviewed) stated it as their reason for attending the opening event. 

Increased time outdoors is proven to have long term benefits on mental and physical wellbeing. If this time outside is also in a space that is looked after with nature in mind, then connection to wildlife may be increased. 

A well-managed space will also increase understanding of what nature needs or how spaces can benefit nature, rather than simply being outside.

Having the space to use for free is beneficial to the reputation of the Trust. Awareness of a space that is cared for by local people encourages collective and personal action, and strengthens the community and the town’s appeal. 

In the second year, a noted increase has been found in almost all species, with the exception of waxcap fungi. Notable increases include the arrival of new bird species; reed bunting and mistle thrush, and an increase in dragonfly numbers from 4 individuals from 2 species in year one, to 172 individuals from 7 species in year two. 

With only two years of recording thus far, we can see the increase in nature and are encouraged by the use of iNaturalist on the site by citizen scientists. 

Issues to be solved

Public use does result in issues. Some litter has been found, though volume is small, and this is mitigated by regular litter picks organised by individuals and groups without prompting by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Dog mess and disturbance from pets are ongoing issues. Restricting dog-walking to some areas is beneficial for wildlife, however a total ban on dogs would not be in keeping with a local, public reserve and may well reduce usage. 

It also doesn’t mitigate disturbance from cats. Signage is in place for dog-owners, but community policing and public attitude continue to be the best means to tackling this issue.

The primary problem with the path is wear, following high volumes of footfall and rain over Winter 2025/26. The path has become extremely slippery to the point of danger. It has been reported to the Cold Springs Engagement Officer by three people in Winter 2025/26. Fundraising is currently ongoing to improve the path.  

Key takeaways

Overall, Cold Springs shows the desire for urban green space to be higher than anticipated. While only one example within a case study, it can be reasonably assumed that needing to travel is a major barrier to people spending time in an outdoor space. 

Nature thrives when allowed, and annual surveys will continue to inform how nature can benefit from this space and others.

Additionally, Cold Springs Community Nature Reserve is improving mental and physical health in Penrith, and strengthening community. A survey should be done, alongside continued use of the CANN App, to create a measurable output for this impact. 

Conclusion 

Urban spaces support the local community to spend time in the outdoors. These spaces being nature reserves increases the likelihood of this being quality time, and also raises awareness of environmental issues, and connects people to nature. Flexibility of use engages more people as the possibilities and opportunities are broader. 

While these spaces can draw criticism as they may not ‘put nature first’, they offer the function of engaging people with nature, and therefore contribute significantly to the overall protection of nature by enhancing public opinion to protect our native wildlife.