Duddon Mosses NNR
Duddon Mosses NNR forms part of an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon estuary.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 117.3 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
.
A map of the reserve: (158kb)
is also available.
At first glance the Duddon Mosses NNR appears wild and natural. A closer look reveals numerous signs of human activity on the lowland raised bog; past drainage, burning and peat cutting and areas of recent restoration works that slow the loss of rainwater, the only water source for the bog.
A high water table is essential for the survival of the specialist bog plants and to safeguard the peat from drying out. In places the peat is about 6 metres deep and preserves pollen from the plants that have grown on and around the Mosses over the last 7,000 years. Analysis of the types of pollen has given us a valuable picture of climate change since the last Ice Age.
Here you can see bog plants such as bog mosses (Sphagnum), cotton grasses, bog rosemary, cranberry, crowberry, white-beaked sedge, cross-leaved heath and the carnivorous sundew.
In late spring and early summer, the fluffy heads of cotton grasses and yellow bog asphodel provide a delightful show. Insects are abundant and you may spot butterflies and moths as well as crickets, damselflies and dragonflies.
The Mosses are a haven for deer, adders, lizards and frogs and birds of scrub and open habitats. Barn owls hunt over the Mosses at dusk and the temporary pools created as a result of restoration works are frequented by water birds such as teal and heron.
Most of the NNR is Access Land but this is a fragile habitat and, due to the uneven terrain and numerous water-filled cuttings and ditches, access is difficult and potentially dangerous. It is recommended that visitors keep to the boardwalks and hard track.
Location and access
Duddon Mosses is in Cumbria. The site is south of the A595, 1 km north east of the town of Foxfield and 10 km north west of Ulverston.
We encourage the use of sustainable transport whenever possible.
By train
The nearest train station is in Foxfield.
By bus
For details of local bus services go to the Travel Search website.
By car
By car, access to the site is via minor roads from the A595.
On foot
The site is near the route of a major trail, the Cumbria Coastal Way.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
Further information
For further information telephone the Site Manager on 015395 31604 or email steve.benn@naturalengland.org.uk
