Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve
About Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve
Drumburgh Moss is a Lowland raised bog reserve in Cumbria, managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The reserve covers approximately 24 hectares and is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The bog supports specialist plants including bog rosemary, cranberry, sundew, cotton grass and white beak-sedge. Large heath dragonflies and bog bush crickets breed on the moss. Curlew, snipe and red grouse are present. Adders and common lizards bask on the drier hummocks. The bog is important for breeding amphibians including palmate newts.
Wildlife & Habitat at Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve
The bog supports specialist plants including bog rosemary, cranberry, sundew, cotton grass and white beak-sedge. Large heath dragonflies and bog bush crickets breed on the moss. Curlew, snipe and red grouse are present. Adders and common lizards bask on the drier hummocks. The bog is important for breeding amphibians including palmate newts.
Location & Nearest Towns
Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve is located in Cumbria, England. The nearest town is Carlisle. Nearby places include Carlisle, Bowness-on-Solway, Wigton.
Interesting Facts
- Drumburgh Moss stores thousands of tonnes of carbon in its peat, which has been accumulating for over 8,000 years.
- Carnivorous sundew plants trap insects on their sticky leaves to survive in the nutrient-poor bog environment.
- Large heath dragonflies, restricted to a handful of peat bog sites in England, breed in the bog pools at Drumburgh.
Visitor Tips for Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve
Spring to Autumn offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing.
Binoculars, walking boots or wellies, waterproofs, and a field guide. Insect repellent in summer.
Layby parking on the B5300 near Drumburgh. Boardwalk trail and interpretation panel. No visitor centre, toilets or cafe on site. Nearest facilities in Bowness-on-Solway or Silloth.
Layby parking on the B5300 near Drumburgh. Boardwalk trail and interpretation panel. No visitor centre, toilets or cafe on site. Nearest facilities in Bowness-on-Solway or Silloth.
Exploring Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve
Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve is a easy-access reserve in Cumbria. The habitat is primarily Lowland raised bog, and the reserve is managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a first-time visitor, the reserve offers a peaceful escape into some of the UK's finest protected landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve suitable for families?
Yes, there are boardwalks and level paths suitable for families. Boardwalk trail across the bog. Flat terrain but the boardwalk can be slippery when wet. Access via a gate from the roadside layby. Keep to the boardwalk — the bog surface is fragile and dangerous off-path.
What is the best time to visit Drumburgh Moss NNR?
Spring to autumn offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Spring and summer for bog plants in flower, dragonflies and birds. Late summer for heather and cotton grass colour. Autumn for fungi. Winter can be bleak — check boardwalk conditions before visiting.
Are dogs allowed at Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve?
Dogs are permitted on the boardwalk trail under close control. Keep on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds and reptiles. Please keep to the boardwalk to protect the fragile bog surface.
Why Visit Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve?
Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve is a designated National Nature Reserve in Cumbria, England — one of the UK's finest protected wildlife sites. Browse our full directory of UK nature reserves to discover more sites to visit.
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