Hallsenna Moor NNR is one of the few remaining lowland heath and peatland habitats in Cumbria. From 1 March through to 31 July, keep your dog on a short leash. Main habitats: peatland Features of interest The moor is notable for the fact that it has never been cut for peat and supports a diverse collection of plant communities including those typical of woodlands, valley peatland, wet and dry heathland and fen. These habitats are rare in the UK and this is one of the few remaining sites in the county, and the largest in West Cumbria. The insect-eating sundew is an excellent example of how the plants here have adapted. Although it’s red and yellow ‘mouth’ is tiny and easily missed by the human eye, it is perfectly adapted for attracting small insects, which is captures and digests. This helps it to flourish in an environment where nutrients are hard to come by. Other peatland plants add a splash of colour to the bleak bog in summer-time. Bog asphodel blooms in bright yellow star-shaped flowers, whilst the cotton grasses soften the landscape with their white fluffy heads. The reserve is also a haven for bird-life. Watch for buzzard hunting over the moor, curlew hiding amongst the peatland flora and warblers flitting amongst the scrub and tree cover on the reserve edges. The Hallsenna Moor information leaflet gives more details about the species on the reserve. You can also view some details about the history of the reserve and how it’s managed on Natural England’s page on Hallsenna Moor on the National Archive. Directions Hallsenna Moor NNR is in south west Cumbria, near the village of Seascale. The reserve can be accessed on foot using public footpaths and bridleways from Drigg, Holmrook and Seascale. Drigg is the closest village, just 1.5km away. The nearest train stations are in Seascale and Drigg. There are no bus services in the local area. The reserve lies just off the A595, 1.5km north of Drigg and 3km south east of Seascale. There is no local parking, so it is recommended that you park in local villages and continue on foot to the reserve. Volunteers and activities Natural England runs a year-round programme of family-friendly events on our NNRs, including guided walks and other nature-related activities. We have volunteer opportunities on NNRs throughout South Cumbria. Whether you have specialist skills you wish to use, or are looking for a chance to get some hands on experience, we’d love to hear from you. Email the senior reserve manager jim.turner@naturalengland.org.uk for more details. Students and professionals are also invited to conduct studies on our NNRs. Email the senior reserve manager jim.turner@naturalengland.org.uk to get the relevant permissions. Contact There is no site office at Hallsenna Moor. To contact site staff please use the following details:
Roudsea Wood NNR Base
Fish House Lane
Haverthwaite
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8PE
Natural England general enquiries:
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 6000