England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Cumbria

Explore these places for wildlife in Cumbria. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Foulshaw Moss

Near Witherslack, near Grange-over-Sands.

Habitat: A restored lowland raised peat bog with pools, woodland edges and boardwalk trails.
Wildlife to look for: Osprey (spring and summer), white-faced darter dragonfly (summer), large heath butterfly (summer), adder (warmer months) and water rail (elusive).

02 / 05

Near Walney Island, near Barrow-in-Furness.

Habitat: Coastal shingle, grassland and saltmarsh at the southern tip of Walney Island.
Wildlife to look for: Grey seal (year-round), eider, oystercatcher, ringed plover and great black-backed gull.
Access note: Keep to the marked trails to protect nesting birds and resting seals.

03 / 05

Near Berrier, near Penrith.

Habitat: Rough upland pasture and flower-rich hay meadow alongside wet mires, swamps and streams.
Wildlife to look for: Curlew (particularly spring and summer), wheatear (spring and summer), skylark, small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly (early summer) and golden-ringed dragonfly (summer).

04 / 05

Near Kirkby Stephen.

Habitat: Flower-rich grassland and wooded valley slopes along a former railway line.
Wildlife to look for: Scotch argus butterfly (late summer), northern brown argus butterfly (summer), redstart (spring and summer), pied flycatcher (spring and summer) and green woodpecker.

05 / 05

Near Burton-in-Kendal.

Habitat: Limestone pavement surrounded by woodland, scrub, grassland and patches of heath.
Wildlife to look for: Brimstone butterfly (spring and summer), green hairstreak butterfly (spring and early summer), nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and willow warbler (spring and summer).