The Iron Line is an "exciting opportunity", say RSPB

 Cumberland Council announced the approval of a planning application on March 31 to build a visitor centre and install new facilities on the site of RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve to enhance visitor experience and engagement with the natural landscape.

The site is set to become known as The Iron Line and will continue to work with the RSPB to protect the habitats and species that live there.

The visitor centre will function as a meeting place for groups and educational activi (Image: Cumberland Council Planning Application)

Mhairi Maclauchlan, RSPB Cumbria Coastal Reserves Manager, welcomed the new plans, saying, "The Iron Line represents an exciting opportunity to celebrate this hidden gem on the Cumbrian coast and enhance the offer for both visitors and local people to enjoy.

"A new visitor centre will be built adjacent to RSPB Hodbarrow, which will provide an amazing introduction to the special habitats and species, such as Little Terns, Small Blue Butterflies, and Bee Orchids, visitors will see whilst visiting the nature reserve.

She added: "The RSPB will be working closely alongside the council and will help give specialist advice regarding habitats and nature at the reserve.

"It's a great opportunity to enhance Cumbria's tourism offer still further and bring in new audiences, managed carefully for both nature and people."

The site is currently owned by the RSPB who have welcomed the plans as an "exciting" (Image: Cumberland Council Planning Application)

Owners of the land since 1986, the RSPB currently look after the site which was once an iron ore mine.

The Iron Line is expected to increase engagement with heritage and nature conservation in Millom, and is set to be funded by part of a £3.6bn Government Towns Fund.

Millom Town Deal are leading the project and hope the plans will provide an "improved recreational asset for the local community" which offers "a regionally significant visitor attraction."

Cumberland Council originally submitted plans for The Iron Line in June 2025, and proposed a new visitor centre serving as a "focal point" for the reserve, featuring a shop, and café, alongside a 60 space car park and new toilet facilities for staff and volunteers.

There are also plans to plan approximately 120 trees around the reserve and to protect the natural surroundings by avoiding building near sensitive habitats and species.

Natural habitats will be taken into consideration throughout the building process (Image: Cumberland Council Planning Application)

As landowner, the RSPB will continue to be consulted on finding ways to support protected species, such as Natterjack Toads, by exploring ways to increase their habitats.

Their plans include an intention to develop a "circular" walking route that embraces RSPB Hodbarrow and "offers an improved resource for the local community and day visitors."

It is believed the project could create up to 26 new jobs for Millom locals, plus eight new permanent roles when the shop and café open.

Cumberland Council state that plans for The Iron Line must be implemented within the next three years, but no word has yet been given on when the development is officially to commence.