Nature Reserves in Cumbria

Nature reserves are protected areas designated to conserve specific habitats, landscapes, and wildlife. Cumbria's reserves include National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and sites managed by bodies like the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, protecting ecosystems from coastal dunes to upland peat bogs. This page details routes within reserves like Hutton Roof National Nature Reserve, known for its limestone pavements.

Notable nature reserves in Cumbria include sites with unique habitats and extensive trail networks. Among the most visited are Hallsenna Moor National Nature Reserve with its heath and peatland, and Moor House National Nature Reserve in the North Pennines. Along the coast, Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve offers trails through a dynamic dune system.

The primary activities in Cumbria's nature reserves are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Across the 16 reserves featured, there are more than 1,400 documented routes. Specific guides are available for activities such as Hiking in Cumbria and MTB Trails in Cumbria.

Hutton Roof National Nature Reserve is known for containing some of Britain's best examples of limestone pavement, creating a distinctive terrain. The reserve also features a mix of ancient woodland, grassland, and scrub. Its high points offer expansive views over the surrounding area, including Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells.

The Borrowdale temperate rainforest is one of England's largest remaining ancient woodlands, recently declared a National Nature Reserve. Characterized by high rainfall, it supports a rich variety of mosses, lichens, and ferns that cover the trees and rocks. The woodland is a vital habitat for bird species like the Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.

Yes, several nature reserves offer trails suitable for families and walkers of all abilities. For example, Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve has flat boardwalks, including a 1.5 km (1 mile) trail to a viewing platform. Many reserves, such as Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, feature gentler paths through varied landscapes.

There are hundreds of hiking trails across Cumbria's nature reserves, ranging from easy walks to challenging upland routes. High Leys National Nature Reserve offers over 40 hiking routes through its meadows and woodlands. In the North Pennines, Moor House National Nature Reserve provides trails through dramatic upland scenery.

Yes, both road cycling and touring cycling routes are available in and around many of Cumbria's nature reserves. For instance, Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve has over 30 road cycling routes nearby that incorporate its coastal scenery. The area around Hallsenna Moor National Nature Reserve also features numerous road and touring cycling options.

Mountain biking is a popular activity in several of Cumbria's nature reserves. Roudsea Wood And Mosses National Nature Reserve features over 15 mountain bike trails through its varied woodland and moss habitats. The terrain around Hutton Roof National Nature Reserve also provides opportunities for mountain biking on its limestone fells.

Rules for dogs vary by reserve, depending on the sensitivity of the wildlife and habitats. For example, dogs are not permitted at South Walney Nature Reserve to protect the grey seal colony and ground-nesting birds. It is essential to check the specific regulations for each reserve before visiting with a dog.

Cumbria's nature reserves protect a wide array of wildlife. Foulshaw Moss is known for its breeding ospreys and rare dragonflies, while South Walney is home to Cumbria's only grey seal colony and important seabird populations. The Borrowdale rainforest supports rare birds like the Pied Flycatcher and Redstart.