Duddon Mosses National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Duddon Mosses NNR is one of England’s few remaining peatland habitats, with striking views over the Lakeland fells and the sea. This quiet haven, hidden in the north of the Duddon Estuary, provides a welcome sanctuary for plants, animals and human visitors. The reserve is recognised for its international importance as a raised peatland habitat, supporting some specialist bog flora. The nationally rare and distinctive golden-orange moss Sphagnum pulchrum can be found here, and other uncommon bog species include bog rosemary and cranberry. The bog flora and conditions here also support a wide variety of insects, including the bog bush cricket, a large green insect with distinctive long antennae,which is found very near to its northern limit here. Birds of prey such as buzzard and barn owl make use of the open landscape of the mosses – perfect for hunting for small mammals – and water-loving birds such as waders and pink-footed geese enjoy the tranquillity of the reserve in winter.

Location

Foxfield

About the area

Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.