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Augill Pasture

Common spotted orchids at Augill Pasture. © Jane Smart/Plantlife

Common spotted orchids at Augill Pasture. © Jane Smart/Plantlife

Location: near Brough, Cumbria

Grid Reference: NY 816 146

Past grazing by pit ponies fostered the development of the species-rich grassland at Augill. Such unimproved habitats are now very scarce in the north Pennines and Lake District uplands hence why we made this one of our reserves.

In order to maintain this diversity, grazing of the pasture areas by horses and cattle continues today.

Wildflowers at the reserve

WHAT TO SEE AND WHEN

May: bluebell, cowslip

June: fragrant orchid, greater butterfly-orchid, herb-Paris

July: frog orchid, betony, sanicle, wood avens

August: saw-wort, Devil's-bit scabious

The grassland at Augill is on neutral soil and the sward includes species such as great burnet, Devil’s-bit scabious, and betony, along with the rarer greater butterfly-orchid, twayblade, and the Nationally Scarce bird’s-eye primrose.

The steeper slopes and cliffs of Augill support a mixed woodland of ash, birch and rowan with an interesting ground flora including species such as bluebell, sanicle and wood avens. Red squirrels can be seen in the woodland area.

Directions

Click here to download a map of the reserve.


From Brough, take the A66 towards Scotch Corner. After approximately 1 mile take the first left followed by an immediate right turn towards Augill Farm House. Follow this road down to the council storage area where cars may be parked. The reserve is reached by entering the council storage area and going through the gate immediately on the left. The nearest train station is Kirkby Stephen which is 7 miles from the reserve.