The Iron Line
A regionally important visitor attraction and landscape
The Iron Line is not just about creating a scenic coastal pathway; it's about weaving together the area's rich heritage, diverse ecology, and the aspirations of its community. As lead landscape architects, we approached this project with a deep sense of responsibility, recognising the profound connection between the people and their environment.
Post-Industrial Sanctuary
The Iron Line occupies a site where industrial grit meets fragile natural beauty. Located in Millom, Cumbria, the site is defined by the colossal Hodbarrow iron mines, which closed in 1968, leaving behind a massive 3.2km sea wall and a flooded lagoon. While this post-industrial landscape has spent decades naturalizing into a haven for rare species—including the Little Tern and Bee Orchid—the town itself has struggled to find a new economic purpose.
a distinct design for a distinct habitat
As lead landscape architects, Layer.studio developed a design response that "treads lightly" while making a bold statement. Our masterplan introduces a 7.5km inclusive route that formalises "desire lines" to prevent habitat fragmentation, ensuring visitors stay on designated, ecologically safe paths. Central to the proposal is a new, energy-efficient Welcome Building and community hub, designed to act as a gateway to the reserve with a café, event spaces, and nature-based education facilities.
The Iron Line - connecting the coastal pathway.
Our first step was to engage with the community. We organised workshops, meetings, and site visits, inviting residents, businesses, and local organisations to share their vision for the Iron Line. This collaborative approach allowed us to understand the community's needs and aspirations, ensuring the project resonated with their sense of place. We focused heavily on heritage interpretation, repurposing industrial remnants into the site and restoring the iconic Townsley Windmill as a cultural focal point. To enhance biodiversity, we created sensitive wildlife-viewing areas in collaboration with the RSPB. This approach ensures that the infrastructure doesn't just sit on the land but actively contributes to the restoration of the 74 acres of green space and 37 acres of rehabilitated industrial land.
Nature-led Abundance
The project’s ambition lies in its "distinct design response for a distinct habitat." By layering modern architecture with industrial ruins and thriving wetlands, it tells a continuous story of the site’s evolution—from iron extraction to ecological abundance. This transformative potential goes beyond tourism; it acts as a catalyst for the wider £29 million Millom Town Deal, proving that sensitive, nature-led design can revitalise hidden gem coastal towns while securing a sustainable future for both the people and the planet.