HODBARROW RSPB RESERVE
The Nature Reserves are located just two miles from Millom.
Millom Ironworks Local Nature Reserve and the Hodbarrow Nature Reserve are both located on the Duddon Estuary, which is an important area for wildlife. It is legally protected because of the wildlife it supports and the geology it features. Since the 1968 closing of Millom Ironworks, many rare species of flora and fauna have inhabited the area. A seawall was built to keep the sea out at high tide. The lagoon was created when the pumps were turned off and the mine workings flooded after closure. Most of the signs of the area's industrial past were removed in the 1970's and 80's, but two lighthouse towers and the walls of a windmill remain. The reserve is a splended example of how wildlife can recolonise and capitalise on changes made by people. The reserve forms part of the larger Duddon Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Fifty percent of all natterjack toads, the rarest of the native British amphibians, make their home here in Cumbria. They are protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. The toad is claimed to be Europe’s noisiest amphibian; its call can be heard several miles away. It is a nocturnal animal that can live well over a decade.
Also present is the Skylark, known for the song of the male, which is delivered while hovering in flight. Their numbers have declined over the last 30 years, only ten percent of the numbers that were present 30 years ago remain. This massive decline is due mainly to changes in farming practices.
Both reserves host a number of wading birds and waterfowl, especially during the winter months. Included in this variety of birds that have made Cumbria their home, is the wigeon, goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, and pintail, as well as the seasonal visitors such as the coot, pochard, teal, grebe, swan, and goose. Birds of prey, such as the beautiful Peregrine falcon, hunt the reserves year round.
For those who enjoy plant life, more than 270 species grow on the former mining site. Visitors can see marsh orchids, bee orchids, and pyramidal orchids during the summer months. These also attract about 19 different species of butterflies, including the Dark Green Fritillary.
What to see when
Spring
The scrubland comes alive with songs of whitethroats, sedge warblers and willow warblers. Early wheateaters bob around on the rocks by the sea-wall. Little, Sandwich, and common terns arrive and nest around the lagoon.Natterjack toads breed in the shallow pools.
Summer
Marsh and bee orchids add colour to the flower-rich grasslands. Broods of great crested grebes are active on the lagoon. Dark green fritillary and grayling butterflies dance around in warm sheltered spots.
Autumn
Migrating waders such as greenshanks and black-tailed godwits stop beside the lagoon to rest and feed. Large numbers of red-breasted mergansers congregate to moult. Redwings and fieldfares pass through in large numbers.
Winter
Dunlins, redshanks, and lapwings roost on the island in front of the hide. Wildfowl including wigeons and teals commute between the lagoon and the adjacent Duddon estuary. The large numbers of birds attract the attention of peregrine falcons.
The carpark and reserve are always open and admission is free.
Please keep to the footpaths as there is deep water on the reserve.
For further information on the reserve contact:
RSPB Cumbria Coasts Reserves Office
North Plain Farm
Bowness on Solway
Wigton
Cumbria
CA7 5AG
01229 778011
or
RSPB North England Office
4 Benton Terrace
Sandyford Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1QU
0191 281 3366
Visit our website
