Drainage and tree planting in the 1950s-60s posed a severe threat to the ecosystem at Foulshaw Moss. However, since its purchase in 1998 by Cumbria Wildlife Trust significant habitat restoration work has taken place and many species are returning. Sphagnum mosses, carnivorous sundews, cranberry and bog-rosemary are just some of the plants that thrive here. Dragonflies and damselflies abound including the rare white-faced darter and emperor dragonfly. The Moss provides ideal nesting and feeding ground for wetland birds such as moorhen, snipe and the elusive water rail, whilst hobby, sparrowhawk, buzzard and peregrine take advantage of the abundance of prey. Ospreys have, once again, successfully reared offspring this year.
The coach will stop at Burton services, then a 15 minute drive to Foulshaw.
Routes around the reserve are all easy-going boardwalks but ticks and midges could be a problem so spray/dress appropriately, there are no public toilets.
We will spend about two hours at Foulshaw then return to the coach for a two-minute drive to the Derby Arms. We are OK to use their toilets.
From the pub it’s a 200m walk along a quiet road to Latterbarrow.
Latterbarrow is home to an amazing variety of plants with over 200 species recorded. The underlying limestone rock, combined with a mix of grassland, ash and hazel woodland and scrub provides a variety of habitats. The reserve is at its most colourful in July with wild columbine and ox-eye daisy, common rockrose, agrimony, betony and the chance of greater butterfly-orchid. The abundant nectar and habitat diversity also make the nature reserve a haven for insect life including silver washed and dark green fritillaries.
For those feeling like a longer walk Halecat House is a two-and-a-half-mile circular route. It has a lovely garden centre, loos and a café.
More details on Foulshaw Moss :
https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/foulshaw-moss
The trip is open to friends and family. The coach will leave Manchester Road cul-de-sac at 9.00am prompt and set off on the return journey at 5.00pm.
The cost is £20. Contact rfnspublicity@gmail.com with any queries. Please pay your £20 beforehand by bank transfer : Sort code 05-07-67 Account number 60931963 and use your name as reference. Then email rfnspublicity@gmail.com to book your place. Please note your place is not reserved until you receive a reply to that email.
Cheques should be made payable to
“Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society”.