Wildlife of Cummersdale Holmes
The River Caldew is part of the River Eden Site of Special
Scientific Interest (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and Special
Area of Conservation (European Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC).
The source of the Caldew is on the western slopes of Skiddaw,
with tributaries draining the western slopes of Great Calva, High
Pike and the Caldbeck Fells.
The Caldew descends onto the Carlisle and Solway Plain, passing
Hesket Newmarket, Sebergham, Buckabank and Dalston, Cummersdale and
into Carlisle, where the River ends its twenty seven and a half
mile journey at the River Eden in Carlisle, between the Sheepmount
and Bitts Park.
The long, curving depressions in the grass at Cummersdale Holmes
is where the River once ran. One of the depressions you can follow
round in a sweeping curve, which disappears under a small copse of
trees with a pond at the end. This is the remains of an ox bow
lake.
The Caldew is home to:
Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar, best seen
from late November to early January. In high flows they can be seen
attempting to jump the weir at Holme Head Bay. When the water is
clearer, you can see them from the footbridges that cross the
river.
European Otter Lutra lutra, has made
its home along the Caldew, although you are more likely to see
signs of Otter activity than you are to see an Otter. Typical signs
to look out for are footprints on the sandy river banks, otter dung
(spraint) in prominent places; at the foot of bridge piers, on
large rocks, either at the water’s edge or in the middle of the
river. During the winter months you may find a half eaten salmon,
with only the belly of the fish missing, Salmon eggs are rich
source of protein.
Kingfisher
Alecdo atthis, Although it is one of Britain’s most
colourful birds, and unmistakeable birds, with its bright blue and
orange plumage, plump body and long dagger like bill. If you are
lucky you will see them flying low and at speed over the water’s
surface, their wings a blur. You are more likely to hear the
Kingfisher’s shrill call of short repeated bursts. This is a cue to
be on the lookout for this brightly coloured sometimes solitary and
secretive river side dweller.
The Caldew provides habitat and feeding opportunities for many
different wildlife species, including Swans, Mayflies, Water Voles,
Mallard Ducks, Swifts, Swallows and Sand Martins and Brown Trout,
Salmon, Grayling, Minnows, Stoneloach, and Bullheads, and many
more.