Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss

Downs, Moorland in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss

Remains of wooden ballast bin Only a few rotten pieces of wood remain from this ballast bin beside the former Furness Railway Coniston Branch near Moss Side. Built from old wooden railway sleepers it is difficult to place an age on this ballast bin, but it is possible it pre-dates the formation of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923 who later introduced concrete bins (see photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6797992">NY2924 : LMS Standard Concrete Ballast Bin</a>).
Positioned approximately every mile, more frequently on curved track, ballast bins were used to store small stone chippings which were used by the railway Lengthsmen to pack and adjust the railway sleepers. Using only a jack and a shovel, an experienced Lengthsman could judge exactly the right quantity of chippings to use to obtain a perfect ‘top’ to the rail and they often took great pride in the quality of their work.
The Coniston Branch closed to passengers in October 1958 and to all traffic with effect from the 30 April 1962 although the last train had run during the preceding week. The track bed in front of the ballast bin is deep in mud and trampled by cows. — Remains of wooden ballast bin Credit: Adrian Taylor

Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss is a notable geographical feature located in Lancashire, England. Situated in the northwestern part of the county, it encompasses both downs and moorland terrain. The moss is a type of wetland characterized by its waterlogged, peat-rich soil and the presence of sphagnum moss.

Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss is an important ecological site due to its unique flora and fauna. The wet conditions support a diverse range of plant species, including cotton grass, heather, and various types of mosses. These plants, in turn, provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as birds, insects, and amphibians.

The moss is also an essential component of the local hydrological cycle, acting as a natural sponge that absorbs and retains water. This function helps to regulate water levels and prevent flooding in the surrounding area. Additionally, the moss plays a crucial role in carbon storage, with its peat layers gradually accumulating over time.

Visitors to Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss can enjoy its scenic beauty and observe its unique ecosystems. The site offers opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching, allowing visitors to appreciate the tranquility and natural diversity of the area.

In summary, Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss is a noteworthy geographical feature in Lancashire, known for its downs and moorland landscapes. With its wetland characteristics, diverse plant and animal life, and vital ecological functions, the moss is a significant natural asset in the region.

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Thornthwaite Latter Rigg Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.286159/-3.1781904 or Grid Reference SD2388. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Remains of wooden ballast bin

Only a few rotten pieces of wood remain from this ballast bin beside the former Furness Railway Coniston Branch near Moss Side. Built from old wooden railway sleepers it is difficult to place an age on this ballast bin, but it is possible it pre-dates the formation of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923 who later introduced concrete bins (see photograph NY2924 : LMS Standard Concrete Ballast Bin). Positioned approximately every mile, more frequently on curved track, ballast bins were used to store small stone chippings which were used by the railway Lengthsmen to pack and adjust the railway sleepers. Using only a jack and a shovel, an experienced Lengthsman could judge exactly the right quantity of chippings to use to obtain a perfect ‘top’ to the rail and they often took great pride in the quality of their work. The Coniston Branch closed to passengers in October 1958 and to all traffic with effect from the 30 April 1962 although the last train had run during the preceding week. The track bed in front of the ballast bin is deep in mud and trampled by cows.

Adrian Taylor

Woodland in East Park

This woodland is in the grounds of the Broughton Tower Estate. An ornamental lake can be glimpsed through the trees in the right background.

Adrian Taylor

Ornamental lake, East Park

This is the southernmost of two ornamental lakes in the East Park of the Broughton Tower Estate. Although on private land the public has access from the public bridleway on the track bed of the former railway from Foxfield to Coniston which is adjacent. There is also a public footpath crossing the narrow isthmus between the two lakes.

Adrian Taylor

The Coniston Branch near Wall End

Now only used by walkers and cyclists, this is the route of the former Furness Railway branch line from Foxfield to Coniston. The last passenger service ran on 4 October 1958 with a final enthusiats’ special train on the 27 August 1961. The last freight train ran during the week ending 29 April 1962 and the track was lifted early in 1963.

Adrian Taylor

Broughton Tower Estate

Adrian Taylor

Field near Wall End

The broken ground to the right of the photograph is described on old Ordnance Survey maps as a marl pit. The fell in the background, left of centre, is Great Burney, 298m (979ft).

Adrian Taylor

Ordnance Survey Rivet

This OS rivet can be found on the stile SE side of the road. It marks a point 15.027m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Rivet

This OS rivet can be found on the wall east side of the road. It marks a point 9.422m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Rivet

This OS rivet can be found on the wall east side of Woodlands Road. It marks a point 69.758m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Kirkby Pool

Adrian Taylor

Lane near Brookside

The lane is a public footpath leading to Buttstead Wood.

Adrian Taylor

Stile beside Buttstead Wood

The public footpath from The Hill to Woodland crosses this stile adjacent to Buttstead Wood. There is an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark with cut mark on the bottom stone step of the stile (detail photograph SD2389 : Benchmark, Buttstead Wood).

Adrian Taylor

Benchmark, Buttstead Wood

Detail of the Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark with cut mark on the horizontal bottom step of a public footpath stile adjacent to Buttstead Wood. The benchmark marks a height of 8.6076m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1954 (location photograph SD2389 : Stile beside Buttstead Wood).

Adrian Taylor

Lane entrance near Brookside

Leading from the road near Brookside the lane leads to Buttstead Wood and carries a public footpath to Low Rosthwaite. There is an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on the top of the low stone post partially hidden in the brambles to the left of the footpath signpost (photograph SD2389 : Rivet benchmark near Brookside).

Adrian Taylor

Rivet benchmark near Brookside

Detail of an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on the top of a low stone post near Brookside. The benchmark marks a height of 11.0246m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last verified in 1972 (location photograph SD2389 : Lane entrance near Brookside).

Adrian Taylor