Reserves & Open Spaces

A man-made reservoir; one of two Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in Workington.  Protected for its impact towards wildlife, education, geology and community enjoyment.

The gardens to a large mansion which was built in 1876 and

demolished in the late 1970s except for a detached servants' house.

Derwent Howe (slagbanks) sit above the shores of the West Cumbrian coast, as well as forming part of Workington’s skyline. A legacy from the days of steel making, the area has been transformed over the years from a man-made mass of by-product, into an area for visitors to enjoy.

Maryport Coastal Park stretches north and south of this location as well as reaching the shoreline.

A legacy from the days of coal mining and ironworks, the area has been transformed into an area for visitors to enjoy for its coastal views and flora and fauna.

Siddick Ponds is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the second Local Nature Reserve (LNRs) in Workington and one of Cumbria’s most important bird sites.

Town Quay flowerbeds have been planted as a mix of wildflowers to provide a crucial bee-line as part of the Get Cumbria Buzzing network of pollinator friendly locations, and herbaceous perennials to complement the nature corridor linking Derwent Howe with Oldside and Brow Top.

Salterbeck Reservoir was originally built for the steelworks and had stood untouched for some time. A community project has turned the reservoir into a pleasant place to visit and a great place for wildlife to thrive. It is accessible to everyone and there are facilities for anglers. It has floating islands, picnic areas and an information board with details on wildlife that can be seen.

Workington Hall Parklands includes Workington Hall, Curwen Park and Mill Field. Each area features attractive walks, wildlife and historical Workington. 

The Oldside of Workington can be found north of the Port of Workington. The northern most end of the site, formerly housed the St. Helen’s colliery, Siddick, but today, you will find the legacy patchwork of heath, scrub and wildflowers providing a natural triangulation of wildlife between Derwent Howe slagbanks, Siddick Ponds nature reserve, and Maryport Coastal Park.

You will find a range of flowering shrub beds in the area of Brow Top, Cloffocks and Allerdale House as well as wildflower areas, beside Mill Stream.

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The Cloffocks area of Workington originally consisted of meadow or common land beside the River Derwent, so it is fitting for these areas to be re-generated with Heritage Lottery Funds, in the name of ‘Get Cumbria Buzzing’.