Birkrigg or Birkrigg Common is an open-area of limestone countryside near the town of Ulverston on the Furness Peninsula in southern Cumbria, England. There is extensive limestone pavement on Birkrigg, which is protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.[1] Birkrigg's peak is at 136 metres (446 ft),[2] but its position as the high point on the east of the Furness Peninsula affords it extensive views to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Howgills and across Morecambe Bay to Blackpool.[3]
Birkrigg has a long history of human inhabitation, and the common contains Birkrigg stone circle, a Bronze Age stone circle which is a scheduled monument.[4][5] Other scheduled monuments on Birkrigg are three round cairns[6][7][8] and a "prehistoric enclosed hut circle settlement, an associated enclosure, and a bowl barrow".[9]
Birkrigg is land common to the parishes of Aldingham and Urswick, and has been in public ownership since the sixteenth century.[10] Today, Birkrigg is a popular recreation site crossed by several footpaths and bridleways.[3]
References edit
- ^ Goldie, Helen. "The legal protection of limestone pavements in Great Britain". Environmental Geology. 21 (3): 160. doi:10.1007/BF00775300.
- ^ "Birkrigg Common's Distant Past". AA. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
- ^ a b "A delightful ramble around Birkrigg Commo". Westmorland Gazette. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
- ^ Historic England. "Druid's Circle (38039)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 12 August 2014.
- ^ Historic England. "Concentric stone circle on Birkrigg Common (1013501)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
- ^ Historic England. "Round cairn on Appleby Hill (1013963)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
- ^ Historic England. "Round cairn on Birkrigg Common, 520m north west of High Sunbrick Farm (1013965)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
- ^ Historic England. "Round cairn on Birkrigg Common, 600m north west of High Sunbrick Farm (1013964)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
- ^ Historic England. "Prehistoric enclosed hut circle settlement, an associated enclosure, and a bowl barrow NNE of Appleby Slack (1013818)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
- ^ "Commoners' Rights on Birkrigg". Cumbria Wildlife. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
54°09′32″N 3°05′53″W / 54.159°N 3.098°W
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