Thornhill Moss & Meadows National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Thornhill Moss NNR is a rare example of a sloping valley mire and a remnant of a formerly large area of wetland created by Holme Dub and Crummock Beck. The reserve displays a range of nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich habitats typical of a valley mire, and supports a particularly rich and varied flora. Among the rare species found on the reserve are lesser butterfly and early marsh orchids. The Thornhill Moss NNR is almost all that remains of a once large valley wetland complex which has been drained and used for agricultural purposes. The flora communities are maintained by grazing with a small number of Highland cattle in late summer and autumn. Additionally, scrub is selectively controlled by cutting and removal.

Location

Abbey Town

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

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Thornhill Moss & Meadows National Nature Reserve

Abbey Town

01697 350005

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Thornhill Moss & Meadows National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

Thornhill Moss NNR is a rare example of a sloping valley mire and a remnant of a formerly large area of wetland created by Holme Dub and Crummock Beck. The reserve displays a range of nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich habitats typical of a valley mire, and supports a particularly rich and varied flora. Among the rare species found on the reserve are lesser butterfly and early marsh orchids. The Thornhill Moss NNR is almost all that remains of a once large valley wetland complex which has been drained and used for agricultural purposes. The flora communities are maintained by grazing with a small number of Highland cattle in late summer and autumn. Additionally, scrub is selectively controlled by cutting and removal.

Location

Abbey Town

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

Abbey Town Cumbria Things To Do in Cumbria