North Fen NNR
The Fen has developed in an area of land between the head of Esthwaite Water and Priest Pot, a small pond which was separated from the Water around 400 years ago.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 2 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Priest Pot might once have been a private fishery for the monks of Hawkshead Hall, an off-shoot of Furness Abbey - hence its name.
To view a map of this reserve, click here: (193kb)
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North Fen is most notable as an example of a 'hydroseral' succession from open water, through reed swamp, sedge fen, bog and carr woodland to drier oak woodland.
Location and access
The reserve is 0.5 km south of the village of Hawkshead.
By car, access to the site is via tracks and minor roads from the B5286. The nearest car park is in Hawkshead.
The nearest train station is in Windermere 5 km to the east served by the TransPennine Express. There are bus services (some seasonal) along the B5286, via Ambleside. For details go to the Travel Search website.
Although there are no public rights of way across the reserve, there are no access restrictions. However, the land is difficult to cross even under the best conditions.
Those wishing to visit the site for collecting and scientific purposes should first email Natural England's Cumbria office or telephone 01539 792800.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages.
