Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve

Bequeathed to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust in 1975, Barkbooth Lot spans 27 hectares and comprises two small tarns nestled among fell grassland, rocky outcrops, bracken, scrub, wetlands, and oak woodland.

Located near the head of the Winster Valley, the reserve offers breathtaking views of both the Lakeland fells and Morecambe Bay on a clear day from its highest point.

In spring, the woodland and scrub come alive with the songs of willow warblers, chiffchaffs, garden warblers, and blackcaps, while bluebells carpet the forest floor. Greater spotted and green woodpeckers can often be heard drumming, and visitors may spot blue tits, nuthatches, robins, or flocks of long-tailed tits flitting among the trees. On the woodland edges, look out for hawfinches, jackdaws, and ravens. Buzzards and red kites soar overhead, and tawny owls can sometimes be seen hunting at dusk. Sparrowhawks are also occasional visitors.

The mix of rough grassland and scrub provides excellent breeding habitats for scrubland birds such as whitethroats, willow warblers, redstarts, tree pipits, and yellowhammers. Summer brings a flurry of butterflies and dragonflies. Woodcocks, although mostly nocturnal, are resident here. The tarns attract herons scanning for fish, as well as moorhens and mallards.

The reserve offers a variety of paths and tracks, including an unmarked circular route of approximately 2 km (1.25 miles). The terrain is winding and can be steep in places. During the height of summer, paths may become overgrown with bracken, and visitors should be aware that ticks might be present. Grazing cattle are sometimes present to help control the bracken and maintain the habitat.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept on a lead at all times.