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Active Calderdale

A Visit to Cromwell Bottom

Updated: Mar 26

Calderdale's Hidden Gem


A former quarry, landfill site and ash tip do not sound like the location of one of Calderdale’s best-kept secrets. Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, however, is just that! Taking advantage of its ash-rich soil and abundant water, it is home to some of Calderdale’s most diverse habitats for fauna and flora. Surrounded by the river Calder and the canal, it really is a hidden gem, highlighted by our recent guided tour and video below!




Accessible to all


Maintained by a group of committed volunteers known as Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group (CBWG), the 74-acre site is home to flower meadows, dry and wet woodland, a lagoon, ponds and numerous bird viewing areas. It’s also one of the most accessible nature reserves in the area and almost the whole site can be accessed by wheelchair.  


As part of plans to improve accessibility to the site, Active Calderdale and CBWG installed new signage on the A6025, and more recently compiled two self-guided walk booklets for visitors, including shorter, accessible routes. These can be downloaded below.


Which route will you take? Plan your visit now!





Dedicated to Conservation


CBWG is dedicated to the conservation and development of this important site. They are keen to work with local organisations, such as Active Calderdale, to collaborate and access funding that can unlock the reserve's true potential for the benefit of the whole community.




Image 2: Photo credit: Mike Henshaw; Copyright CBWG

Image 3: Photo credit: Mike Henshaw; Copyright CBWG

Image 4: Photo credit: Mike Henshaw; Copyright CBWG


What's on Offer


The reserve is an ideal place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. To make the most of your visit, you can find all the practical information you will need, including facilities and activities on offer, listed below.


Visitors Centre


  • Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9.30am - 4.00pm

  • You can find information about Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve

  • Enjoy light refreshments in the peaceful outdoor picnic area or inside the visitors’ centre

  • Displays, leaflets and guide booklets are available

  • Knowledgeable volunteers always willing to help


Facilities

  • Toilet and baby changing facilities, including an accessible toilet (only open when the visitors' centre is open).

  • Public car parking.

  • Bike racks are located by the Visitor Centre.

  • Most routes are fully accessible by wheelchair.


Activities @ Cromwell Bottom

  • Themed activities available at different times of the year such as moth nights, bat nights, birdwatching and pond dipping

  • Guided walks for groups available by prior arrangement

  • Annual Open Day held in early August

  • Education area - available for schools and groups, for pond dipping, birdwatching, bug hunting and Forest Schools activities.

  • A separate observation building exists for observing wildlife and studying the immediate landscape. Visits to these by prior arrangement only. Contact Simon Day at swday1985@gmail.com




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