High Leys National Nature Reserve
Recommended by
Overview
The High Leys NNR represents one of the best species-rich hay meadow sites in Cumbria. The entire reserve covers a total of 22 acres, nearly half of which are retained as traditional hay meadows. The remaining areas of the reserve also offer a rare and flower-rich experience in wetter grassland and mire habitats. The management of the reserve has remained unchanged since the 1940s, which has preserved the flower-rich grassland, allowing it to support such a rich and diverse range of plants and insect and invertebrate species. The importance of the site is due to its diversity of species, which affords a rare and special sight in our countryside. The combination of dry, damp and marshy grassland offers an impressive visual spectacle during the summer. Flowers such as the bright and colourful oxeye daisy, yellow rattle and marsh marigold can be found alongside the rarer greater butterfly orchid and adder’s tongue fern.
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.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Sella Park Country House Hotel
This property, parts of which date back to at least the 16th century, is set in six acres of mature grounds which lead down to the River Calder. The individually designed bedrooms are v...
Kirkstile Inn
This historic 16th-century inn lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. Serving great food and ale, its rustic bar and adjoining rooms prove to be a mecca for walkers. There is also a ...
Crummock Cottage
Awaiting description...
Loweswater Cottage
Awaiting description...
Crummockwater Cottages
Crummockwater Cottages in Loweswater enjoy stunning views of Crummock Water and the surrounding fells including Haystacks and Great Gable. The cottages are the converted barns and stabl...
Buttermere Cottage
Awaiting description...
Holemire Barn
An ideal place to refresh and unwind, Holemire Barn is a converted traditional Lakeland barn set in a charming Lake District village. The village is well inside the Lake District Nation...
Holemire Barn
An ideal place to refresh and unwind, Holemire Barn is a converted traditional Lakeland barn set in a charming Lake District village. The village is well inside the Lake District Nation...
