Whitbarrow NNR
The reserve lies on Whitbarrow Scar, a carboniferous limestone outcrop just over 200 m high.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Woodland, Lowland Grassland, Limestone Pavement
Area: 572 Ha
Link to site map: Nature on the Map
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Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Whitbarrow NNR is owned and managed by the Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority and the Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
It comprises a mosaic of habitats including grassland, limestone pavements, juniper scrub and areas of heath and woodland.
The site supports birds such as buzzard, woodcock, sparrowhawk, great spotted woodpecker and tawny owl.
The reserve is notable for its invertebrate community with 23 butterfly and over 200 moth species being recorded on the site. Butterflies seen here include high brown, pearl bordered and silver-washed fritillary, while notable moths include barred tooth-stripe, argent and sable, satin lutestring and northern rustic.
Location and access
The reserve is 8 km south west of Kendal, 1 km north of the A590.
By car, access to the reserve is via minor roads from the A590. There is informal parking along the minor road on the western side of the reserve.
The nearest train stations are in Kendal served by the TransPennine Express, and Grange-over-Sands (10 km to the south west), served by Northern Rail.
For details of local bus services go to the Travel Search website.
A major trail, the Cumbria Coastal Way passes near the south of the reserve as does Proposed Route 72 (Walney to Weir) of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Please note that while there is open access to most parts of the reserve, access to Wakebarrow Wood is limited to public rights of way.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
