Warton Crag’s mix of habitats and limestone rock offers a home to a wonderful array of spring flowers, birds and insects, most famously some of Britain’s rarest butterflies, like the Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
We’re heading up there on Saturday 14th May to see what we can find.
The route is 3 miles long and climbs to 500ft through varied terrain: grassland, scrub, broadleaf woods and limestone pavements. We don’t necessarily have to keep together, and short-cuts are possible, however, please note that unless you stick to the bottom path that parallels Crag Road, some steep sections are unavoidable. Rocky paths and steep sections mean the reserve is, sadly, inaccessible for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility.
There are some rocky steps that some people may find awkward, but most of which can be avoided. The limestone and clay can be slippery, especially after rain.
What might we see?
We recce’d the route on 27 April 2022 and just on a half-day quick survey we found
· 21 bird species, including Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
· 18 plants that even we could recognise, bluebells just getting going, plus several orchids.
· Only 4 or 5 butterfly species, but the weather wasn’t ideal – overcast and breezy. However, we’re confident that we spotted a Pearl-bordered fritillary, as well as Holly Blue, Orange tip, Speckled Wood and either a Small White or female Orange tip.
· Fantastic views across Morecambe Bay!