Thornhill Moss and Meadows NNR
Thornhill Moss NNR is a sloping valley mire, a remnant of a - formerly large - area of wetland created by two waterways: Holme Dub and Crummock Beck.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 12 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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The wetland has been substantially drained for agriculture. The drains surrounding the reserve have isolated it from the neighbouring agricultural land and helped keep out nutrient enriched water.
An old railway embankment forms the western boundary of the site and supports a narrow strip of woodland and scrub.
The moss has a variety of plants indicative of both nutrient poor and nutrient rich conditions. Species found here include butterfly and northern marsh orchid, twayblade and the carnivorous butterwort.
Local birds include curlew, snipe, grasshopper warbler, meadow pipit, skylark and reed bunting.
The best time to visit the site is during the summer.
Location and access
Thornhill Moss is 10 km west of Wigton. The nearest town is Abbeytown, 3 km to the north east. By car, access is via minor roads from the B5301 and B5302.
The nearest train station is in Wigton served by Northern Rail. For details of local bus services go to the Traveline website.
Although permission is not required to access the reserve, 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.
