Download the Management Plan - Carlisle City Council

Watercourses
Outflow
Hell Beck runs out through the north eastern side of the Tarn and joins the River Gelt further
downstream. A small sluice gate is operated on this stream but has only minimal effects when
water left is high enough. The stream regularly runs dry in the summer months if the Tarn level
is low from evaporation and lack of rain. The aim of raising the water level if possible at times
(by preventing loss out of the stream) is to increase water depths for the boat launching areas. At
other times lower water levels can be encouraged by opening the sluice gate. This could be to
help encourage marginal vegetation growth which might other wise become swamped. It also
helps to prevent as much bank erosion. At this time it is not deemed necessary for more control
of the water levels. Although this may need to be reviewed in the future depending on rainfall
levels.
Hell beck is regularly cleared of debris and vegetation to keep it open. This is done in stages with
a different section being cleared each year currently by hand but there is the potential to clear
sections by mechanical means on rotation such as a 50m stretch each year. Where Hell Beck
leaves sluice wood it is fenced on one side until it meets the ditch on the boundary. From here it
is only fenced on the far side which forms the neighbours boundary.
Inflow
The banks of the inlet at wildlife bay, that drains from Farlam Meadow is an important area for
northern marsh orchid with over 25 spikes counted in 2009.
The second inlet comes in from neighbouring farmland and enters near the bird hide.
Action
Maintain sluice gate in current basic working condition
Continue rotational clearing of hell beck to keep watercourse open
Clear inlet streams as required.
Marsh & Wet Areas
Farlam meadow contains the largest wet grass area, holding water year round. A causeway was
built over part of this area to prevent damage from the public footpath that runs across it.
A valuable wetland vegetation community has developed and this status should be maintained.
The drier sections of this meadow are grazed under licence by a neighbouring farmer. Other wet
areas have developed by the boundary ditch that runs from level with Roman wood along 2 field
lengths until it reaches the road to Talkin village. These valuable wet areas are in a quiet area of
the Tarn. The main threat is from trampling from the sheep that graze these fields and require
access to the water.
Species Management
Species lists for Flora, Fauna, Fungi, Odonata, Butterflies, Fish are kept in the site office. Copies
of all other surveys undertaken are also kept in the site office.
Mammals
Talkin Tarn has small range of fauna, none of which are currently managed specifically for. The
badger set is however purposely left as an area of no intervention and public access is not
encouraged. The most red squirrels seen at any one time is 6 during 2009. Grey squirrels have
regularly been seen passing through the area and are being managed as necessary. A bat survey
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