About the reserve

What makes Gosling Sike so special?

Situated on the edge of Carlisle, Gosling Sike is ideally positioned for people to access this unique site, whether for education and training, to visit The Lost Words wildlife garden, or to enjoy a tranquil walk where organic farming integrates with wildlife to create a green oasis.

Wildlife highlights

• Discover farmland birds including snipe and curlew
• Visit the scrapes and pools to see ducks and other waterbirds
• Dragonflies and damselflies can be seen in the wetland during the summer months
• A wildlife garden, buzzing with life

Recreating wetland habitats

Comprising a wetland with several ponds, hay meadows and pasture, established hedges and areas of woodland, it's an ever-improving landscape for wildlife.

The Trust embarked on a programme of work to re-meander Gosling Sike and create temporary pools to help recreate wet meadows, which are brilliant for wildlife.

Work is also being undertaken to manage the hedgerows, the woodland and the ponds to improve the biodiversity of the farmland.

A working farm

The farm is registered with Pasture for Life and the Soil Association and managed by Susan's Farm, a charity founded by Susan Aglionby, who gave the land to the Trust. She organises educational visits to the farm for local schools and a classroom has been put in place for this purpose.

Organic beef and lamb, from animals that have grazed on the Trust's farmland, is often for sale at the Croft farmhouse, which adjoins the farmland and the Trust's office. Please ring 01228 549628 to establish what is available and to arrange a collection time.

A local organic vegetable and fruit grower Eva Organics is developing fruit and vegetable areas on the farm for its local box scheme.

Recent History

Gosling Sike Farm was given to Cumbria Wildlife Trust by Susan Aglionby. The transfer of the land was completed in 2012.