Tarn Moss NNR
Tarn Moss NNR is a basin mire supporting nutrient-poor fen.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 16 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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To view a map of this reserve, click here: (125kb)
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The mire has developed in a shallow hollow in acidic glacial drift, and is fed by nutrient-poor ground water. The fen found here is a good example of this northern British vegetation type.
Sedges and bog mosses are well represented at the site. Other characteristic plant species include round-leaved sundew, heather, cross-leaved heath, marsh violet, marsh cinquefoil and lesser bladderwort.
Where the ground water is richer in nutrients the site supports marsh marigold, ragged robin, bog bean and marsh lousewort.
Location and access
Tarn Moss is south of (and immediately adjacent to) the A66, 1 km east of its junction with the A5091. The nearest towns are Penrith (12 km to the east) and Keswick (14 km to the west).
The nearest train station is in Penrith served by Virgin Trains. Regular bus services from Penrith to Keswick, along the A66, are provided by Stagecoach Northwest.
The reserve is also on Route 71 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Although permission is not required to access the reserve, it is a sensitive habitat and visitors are advised to contact the site manager in advance. For details email Natural England's Cumbria office, or telephone 01697 350005.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
