About Trowbarrow Local Nature reserve
Derived from two words, ‘Trow’ meaning trough and ‘barrow’, the Anglo-Saxon word for hill, Trowbarrow Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is owned by Lancaster City Council and is a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Once a limestone quarry, it is now managed as a nature reserve and for quiet recreation. In addition to the many important geological features and interesting rock formations, the site offers a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats supporting a wide range of plants and animals. Trowbarrow’s buildings and its quarrymen may have long gone, but you can still explore the heritage of the site while enjoying its present day tranquil atmosphere.
Planning A Visit
Location: Off Storrs Lane or Moss Lane, Silverdale.
Grid Ref: Entrances at: SD 481 756, SD 480 753 and SD 475 758
Postcode: LA5 0SP (Storrs Lane), LA5 0SS (Moss Lane - no parking)
what3words: Entrances at firepower.sometimes.beaters, market.scavenger.beaker and nuzzling.insert.grownup
Wheelchair accessibility: There is a tramper route throughout the site.
Terrain & Incline: There are inclines, but the tramper route is generally well compacted gravel.
Usual Visit Length: 1-2 hours
Benches: There is a bench in the main quarry.
Dogs: Yes, to be kept under control at all times. Watch out for cattle and horses and check for ticks on your dog in summer months.
Bikes: Bikes are permitted at Trowbarrow, but please do not prop open gates.
Picnicking: Picnics are welcome, but no fires or barbeques please. Remember to take rubbish away with you.
Nearest Toilets: There are public toilets in Silverdale, on Emesgate Lane (1.5 miles, 30 min walk).
Nearest Cafe: RSPB Leighton Moss (15 min walk)
Public Transport
Trains: Silverdale Railway Station (20 minutes walk, on a busy country road without pavement)
Buses: The number 51 service passes the site on Storrs Lane - the nearest scheduled stop is at Silverdale Railway Station.
Parking: There is some limited roadside parking on Storrs Lane. Parking nearby is very limited and we recommend visiting via public transport if possible.
Before you visit
Make sure you’re familiar with the updated Countryside Code, so that you can stay safe and help us look after this beautiful landscape.
Who owns the nature reserve?
Trowbarrow Local Nature Reserve is owned by Lancaster City Council and managed by the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape team.
Our Policy on Floral and Other Tributes
Places within Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape hold a special meaning for many, and people sometimes wish to commemorate loved ones in some way. We are glad that the National Landscape is a place of cherished memories, but we ask that people do not leave floral and other tributes in our Local Nature Reserves. These items can sometimes become litter, potentially harming the wildlife and landscape which makes this space so special. Any items of this nature will be removed at our discretion.
Examples of tributes include: bunches of flowers, wreaths, cards, decorations, pot plants, plaques, other floral tributes or planting, photographs, stones, padlocks or any other similar items.
As an alternative, we have a dedicated scheme, Waymarking the Landscape, which encourages donations towards installing solid oak directional waymarkers, and includes a quality engraved metal plaque.