Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve

Introduction

Foulshaw Moss is the largest of three raised mires making up the Witherslack Mosses. In places the peat here is up to six metres deep. However drainage and tree planting has dried out areas of the bog, reducing the water table and cover of characteristic bog vegetation.

Restoration Delivered

Foulshaw Moss was acquired by Cumbria Wildlife Trust in 1998 and since then the Trust has worked to restore the bog by felling conifers, blocking internal ditches and rewetting areas of surrounding land. The hope is to raise water levels, so that bog-forming vegetation returns.

In addition, the Trust has put in place visitor facilities including boardwalks and a viewing platform.

Biodiversity

A large herd of red deer frequent the moss, and in summer common lizard can be seen. Adder and slow worm may also be fiynd,

Breeding birds included tree pipit, reed bunting, snipe and barn owl. Emperor and northern eggar moth, and large heath and green hairstreak butterflies can be seen in the areas of remnant bog vegetation (Sphagnum spp., cotton grass, cranberry and bog rosemary) at the northern end of the site.

{"zoom":13,"lat":"54.245900","lon":"-2.831900","markers":{"0":{"lat":54.246501814,"lon":-2.831556677}}}

Project Name: Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve

Organisation / Lead partner: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Location: Witherslack, Cumbria

Approximate area covered: 350 ha

Conservation Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Nature Reserve (NR)

Predominately: Lowland

Peat Habitats: Lowland raised bog

Project Type: Restoration, Management

Year Project Began: 1998

Useful Links:

Osprey Nest Cam

Useful Downloads:

    Peat compost B&Q
    The Wildlife Trusts unveil Peat-free Gardening Guide The Wildlife Trusts have unveiled a new handbook to help people go peat-free in their gardens and…
    Restoration Risley Moss. Photo credit: Paul Thomas
    Natural England launches peatland ‘toolbox talk’ on recognising archaeology during restorationNatural England worked with Wessex Archaeology to create a historic environment peatland ‘toolbox…
    Ugie Peatland Partnership and Beam Suntory Landowner event
    Ugie Peatland Partnership and Beam Suntory Landowner eventIn February 2023, RSPB as part of the Ugie Peatland Partnership, hosted an event, co-organised and…
    Buchan Bog Buddies
    Buchan Bog Buddies The RSPB and Aberdeenshire Rangers have been working with P6/P7 classes at New Pitsligo and…
    Global Peatlands Initiative
    Global Peatlands Initiative project: State of the Worlds Peatlands On the 17th of November 2022, at the UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, the Global Peatlands…
    Area of Dartmoor undergoing restoration methods, January 2023
    South West Peatland Partnership: Counting sheep to help restore peat across the UK's South WestPeatland restoration isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes a range of innovative techniques…
    Birchinlee (c) Moors for the Future Partnership
    Moors for the Future Partnership releases series of scientific and monitoring reports from MoorLIFE 2020 projectIn September 2022, MoorLIFE 2020, the landmark project which had been the focus of much of the work…
    Sphagnum moss regrowth rewards the peatland restoration action undertaken by NPAP at Tywi Forest
    Wales Peatland Action By mid-2022 National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP) could reflect on a successful initial two…
    Cuilcagh Mountain after restoration work
    Ulster Wildlife webinar: Lessons learned: 20+ years on from blanket bog restoration at Cuilcagh MountainJoin Ulster Wildlife, RPS Ireland and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to discuss what…
    Peatland code version 2.0
    Launch of the Peatland Code Version 2.0The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has today launched a new and highly anticipated update to the…
    Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop
    Save the Date: Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’Hosted by National Trust Marsden Moor, the ‘Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’…
    Demonstrating Success cover art
    Peat-free Horticulture Addendum: Further case studies released This addendum to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's 'Demonstrating Success - Peat-free Horticulture'…