Finglandrigg Woods NNR is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including many fascinating plants, animals and fungi. Main habitats: mixed woodlands, purple moor-grass and rush pasture, lowland wet heath and mire. Features of interest Finglandrigg Woods NNR is made up of a wonderful mosaic of habitats including a mix of woodland types, a rare fragment of nationally important lowland wet heath, mire and rough pasture, which are scarce in the lowlands. Together these habitats create one of the largest wildlife rich areas on the Solway Plain. Natural England NNR staff manage this site sensitively to enable this rich diversity to thrive. This management work helps to ensure the conservation of nationally and locally rare species including the marsh fritillary butterfly, petty whin, dwarf gorse, adder and a species of solitary mining bee. The reserve is also home to a wide range of birds, bats, mammals, plants and fungi. Access There are 2 well-maintained, marked trails for visitors to enjoy the wonders of the reserve, including a 2km blue route, which is suitable for those with limited mobility. Safety Ticks are present on this reserve and Lyme disease is present in this area of the country. You are advised to take adequate precautions such as covering arms and legs, and checking for bites after your visit. Dogs You should keep your dog on a lead at all times. Disturbance to the wildlife can have significant impact upon their breeding and continued presence. There are adders on the reserve and if they’re disturbed they could bite dogs which are not under control. Cattle and sheep grazing takes place throughout the year delivering the vital habitat management needed. For the safety of the stock and your dog, please keep your dog on a lead while you’re on the reserve. Directions Glasson and Bowness-on Solway are on route 72 of the Sustans National Cycle Network. Cycle racks are available at Haverlands Green car park. The nearest train station is in Wigton (8 miles to the south), but there is no bus link to the reserve. Taxis are available from outside the train station. From Carlisle the site is served by bus route 71 Silloth/Anthorn - Carlisle (limited service). The bus stops at Kirkbampton, Fingland and Kirkbride and a request stop for Finglandrigg Woods may be possible. The reserve is approximately 8 miles west of Carlisle. Follow the B5307 Kirkbride road, go through Kirkbampton village and after 1 mile you will see Haverlands Green lay-by on the left. You can park here by the Natural England sign. From Wigton, the reserve is approximately 8 miles. Follow the B5307 from the Wigton by-pass. Go through Kirkbride and Fingland and approximately 2 miles further on is the Haverlands Green lay-by on the right. Two major trails cross the area; the Cumbria Coastal Way and the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. There are marked paths around the reserve, including the 2km blue route, which is suitable for those with limited mobility. This passes through woodland, meadows and sculptures, including an intricately carved bench in memory of Derek Ratcliffe, the former Chief Scientist for the Nature Conservancy Council. Contact NorthCumbriaNNRs@naturalengland.org.uk
Natural England
Unit 4
Sycamore House
Kirkbride
Cumbria
CA7 5JZ
Natural England general enquiries:
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 6000