Natural England - Cliburn Moss NNR
Cliburn Moss NNR
Cliburn Moss NNR is a basin mire that supports an unusual range of fen, bog and heath communities with several rare and scarce plant species.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 26 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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The Moss formed in a hollow in the glacial drift, but its present varied topography is the result of past peat-cutting activities.
Plant communities range from wetter fen or bog to wet grassland and drier heathland types. In addition, much of the site is densely colonised by self-sown Scots pine and birch.
The local plant life includes cotton grass, heather, cross-leaved heath, bog bilberry, dyers' green weed, crowberry and cowberry. Northern marsh and lesser butterfly orchid are also seen. Rare species found in the area include sedges such as lesser tusssock, bog and cyperus.
The site supports large numbers of birds including breeding populations of sparrowhawk, buzzard, treecreeper and great spotted woodpecker.
The local mammal population includes red squirrels, stoats and weasels.
Location and access
The reserve is 8 km south east of Penrith, 1 km north west of Cliburn village.
By car, the reserve is accessed via the minor road from Cliburn to the A6. There is parking on a track near the reserve's entrance.
The nearest train station is in Penrith served by Virgin Trains. For details of local bus services go to the Traveline website.
The reserve is also near Route 71 (the Eden Valley Cycle Route) of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.