Roudsea Wood and Mosses NNR is a complex site comprising four main habitats: coastal saltmarsh, acid woodland, limestone woodland and lowland raised mire; plus the transitional zones between these habitats. Main habitats: woodland, peatland Roudsea offers a plethora of wildlife-spotting opportunities in peaceful and inspiring surroundings. Over 500 plant and 280 fungi species are found in the reserve, including the very rare large yellow sedge, and the endemic Lancaster whitebeam. Animals found at the site include hazel dormouse, otter and brown hare and the area supports over 50 species of breeding birds such as nightjar, hawfinch, sparrowhawk, woodcock and marsh tit. A large number of rare and scare invertebrates are found at the site including the short-winged cone-head cricket, bog-bush cricket and raft spider. The diverse moth population includes the barred tooth-stripe, beautiful snout and green silver-lines. Scarce butterflies found here include the silver-washed fritillary and the large heath. Please note, there are no public rights of way across the reserve and access is by permission only. To request a permit, email: john.osborne@naturalengland.org.uk providing an email or postal address to which you would like the permit to be sent. Permits enable visitors to visit the reserve using only the permissible footpaths. Features of interest The hazel dormouse is on its very north-west limit in Europe at Roudsea Wood. Much effort goes into maintaining the coppice woodlands here to ensure the survival of this tiny creature. The rosy marsh moth was discovered at Roudsea in August 2005, having long been presumed extinct in England. Its caterpillar can be found feeding on the buds and leaves of bog myrtle on warm May nights. The wet peatlands on the nature reserve are home to the raft spider, which is able to run over the surface of bog pools in search of prey. It is easily distinguished by two yellow lines running down its back. This fierce hunter is capable of killing small fish and even large dragonflies. Find out more in the information leaflet for this reserve. Safety The peat bogs are beautiful but hazardous, so please do not wander from the boardwalks. Ticks are present on this reserve and Lyme disease is present in this area of the country. Visitors are advised to take adequate precautions such as covering arms and legs, and checking for bites after their visit. Directions The reserve is located on route 72 (Walney to Weir) of the National Cycle Network. The nearest train stations are at Cark (5 km to the south) and Ulverston (7 km to the south). For details of local bus services go to the Traveline website. Take the A590 from Junction 36 of the M6 to Haverthwaite village. Then follow the B5278 through the village towards Cark. Immediately after crossing the River Leven turn right onto a one track lane. Follow this lane along the river for 2 km to reach the NNR at SD329827. There is a small permit holders’ car park to the north of the reserve, which must be used at all times as there is a possibility of flooding along the road at exceptionally high tides. Contact For more information about the site: Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 6000