North Fen National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The tiny, 5-acre North Fen NNR occupies an area of land under the forested heights of Claife, between the head of Esthwaite Water and Priest Pot. Priest Pot is a small pond which became separated from the lake around 400 years ago. It is thought that it got its ecclesiastical name because it might have been a private fishery for the monks of nearby Hawkshead Hall, an outpost of Furness Abbey. In natural history terms, North Fen is most notable as an example of a natural succession from open water, through reed swamp, sedge fen, bog and carr woodland to drier oak woodland. All the common species and some of the quite rare plants and insects associated with these habitats are found here. Although there are no public rights of way across the reserve, there are no access restrictions. However, the land is difficult to cross even under the best conditions.

Location

Near Sawrey

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.

Area image

Near Sawrey Cumbria Things To Do in Cumbria

North Fen National Nature Reserve

Near Sawrey

01539 792800

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North Fen National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

The tiny, 5-acre North Fen NNR occupies an area of land under the forested heights of Claife, between the head of Esthwaite Water and Priest Pot. Priest Pot is a small pond which became separated from the lake around 400 years ago. It is thought that it got its ecclesiastical name because it might have been a private fishery for the monks of nearby Hawkshead Hall, an outpost of Furness Abbey. In natural history terms, North Fen is most notable as an example of a natural succession from open water, through reed swamp, sedge fen, bog and carr woodland to drier oak woodland. All the common species and some of the quite rare plants and insects associated with these habitats are found here. Although there are no public rights of way across the reserve, there are no access restrictions. However, the land is difficult to cross even under the best conditions.

Location

Near Sawrey

About the area

Area image

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.

Explore Cumbria

Near Sawrey Cumbria Things To Do in Cumbria