Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve
About Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve
Great Asby Scar is a Limestone pavement and flower-rich grassland reserve in Cumbria, managed by Natural England. The reserve covers approximately 350 hectares and is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The limestone pavement supports a unique flora including green spleenwort, rigid buckler fern and the nationally scarce dark-red helleborine. The surrounding grassland has mountain melick, rockrose and wild thyme. Curlews and skylarks breed in the area. Peregrine falcons nest on nearby cliffs. The pavement grykes provide shelter for woodland plants including dog's mercury and wood anemone.
Wildlife & Habitat at Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve
The limestone pavement supports a unique flora including green spleenwort, rigid buckler fern and the nationally scarce dark-red helleborine. The surrounding grassland has mountain melick, rockrose and wild thyme. Curlews and skylarks breed in the area. Peregrine falcons nest on nearby cliffs. The pavement grykes provide shelter for woodland plants including dog's mercury and wood anemone.
Location & Nearest Towns
Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve is located in Cumbria, England. The nearest town is Appleby-in-Westmorland. Nearby places include Appleby-in-Westmorland, Orton, Kirkby Stephen.
Interesting Facts
- Great Asby Scar has one of the best examples of limestone pavement in England, a habitat that is globally rare.
- The distinctive clints (flat-topped blocks) and grykes (fissures between them) create a microhabitat where woodland plants grow in the sheltered cracks.
- Dark-red helleborine, a nationally scarce orchid, grows in the grykes of the limestone pavement.
Visitor Tips for Great Asby Scar 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 road between Great Asby and Orton. No visitor centre, toilets or cafe on site. Open access land with informal paths. Nearest facilities in Appleby or Kirkby Stephen.
Layby parking on the road between Great Asby and Orton. No visitor centre, toilets or cafe on site. Open access land with informal paths. Nearest facilities in Appleby or Kirkby Stephen.
Exploring Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve
Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve is a easy-access reserve in Cumbria. The habitat is primarily Limestone pavement and flower-rich grassland, and the reserve is managed by Natural England. 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 Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve suitable for families?
Yes, the scar has open access land with paths suitable for families. Open access land with no formal paths. Terrain is uneven with deep fissures in the limestone pavement — take care. Can be wet and slippery. Sturdy footwear essential. Access via stiles from the road.
What is the best time to visit Great Asby Scar NNR?
Spring to autumn offers the best wildflower displays. May to August for wildflowers including orchids and ferns. Spring for curlews and skylarks. Autumn for fungi. Winter is bleak but the limestone pavement structure is best seen when vegetation has died back.
Are dogs allowed at Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve?
Dogs are permitted on open access land under close control. Keep on a lead near livestock and during the bird breeding season.
Why Visit Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve?
Great Asby Scar 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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