With the ground frozen after cold overnight temperatures, it was decided that we could return to Rickerby Park in Carlisle and not get too muddy. This was good news as we were keen to investigate the new stone circle.
The willow is growing up really tall on the riverbank
The park makes up part of the Carlisle flood plain and as such can be very soft under our paws. For this reason we avoid the area during much of the winter.
It would appear that many other people thought just like us yesterday, as the park was very busy.
The late morning sunshine combined with the near cloudless sky, to produce some very long shadows. As we walked along we often saw our shadows creep out in front of us making us jump.
Just beyond the metal bridge to the golf club, the Willow trees planted into the crumbling River Eden riverbank are growing fast. Some must stand 4m or so tall.
We saw these as little saplings back in June 2009 and reported on them in this post
The thin wooden wands spear into the sky, almost invisible against the glare from the bright sunshine.
Sand Martins
Concerns are being raised about the local sand martin colonies who reportedly nest within the riverbanks in this area.
The Friends of Rickerby Park, who oversee the park, are to see if the sand martins are being affected by the new trees and what can be done to limit the impact of the willow tree growth.
The new stone circle in Carlisle
According to the RSPB these small birds have Amber Status, indicating that their numbers are in decline or that the species is of concern to conservation organisations.
Eden river rock
With Charlie constantly pulling to our right, as he wanted a paddle in the River Eden, it was a relief when we finally we arrived at the Linstock end of the park and the new stone circle.
Set about 40m from the river bank and not far from the much improved car park at this end of the site the six upright stones make a bold, hard statement in contrast to the soft living trees nearby.
Looking at the muddy ring around the flattened stone at the centre of the circle, it would appear that the site is well visited.
Each rock can be found in the catchment area of the River Eden.
Kirkstone Slate, Penrith Red Sandstone, Millstone Grit, two different types of Shap Granite and two pieces of Shap Fell Limestone make up the artwork.
Each of the pieces of stone has a history of its geology engraved into it.
The diameter of the circle is about 7m.
The idea behind the stone information henge came from a study done in 2004 by the Eden Rivers Trust. They found that more needed to be done to explain the local heritage and environment.
Photographs taken and sniffs investigated we continued on our walk around the park and back towards the car. You can see some of out images in the gallery below.
Until next time
Buster and Charlie.
Carlisle Stone circle Gallery – click a picture for a larger image
