Reserve Closure
This reserve will close on Thursday 14 November for an all-staff meeting. Please check locally for site specific closure times and details.
Hodbarrow
Steel GreenOpenSee opening timesThis old iron mine has been transformed by nature, with insects and wildflowers thriving on the leftover limestone and breeding terns bringing new life to the lagoon islands.
About
What was once an iron mine is now a tranquil stretch of coastal lagoon and grassland overlooking the Duddon estuary. Hodbarrow’s wetlands are home to breeding terns, Ringed Plovers, Redshanks and Oystercatchers. You'll also find Great Crested Grebes nesting on the island here. This magnificent bird was almost hunted to extinction in the UK and is now a protected species.
Rich communities of insects and flowers thrive on the limestone leftover from the site’s mining days, while inland patches of scrub are a haven for breeding songbirds. Walk the seawall and visit the hide from May to July to see the tern colony in full swing, with birds commuting to and from the estuary at close range.
We manage the reserve to create the ideal conditions for the wildlife that lives here. Out on the lagoon island, we’re working to give breeding Little Terns, Common Terns and Sandwich Terns the best chance. This involves limiting plant growth and controlling the numbers of large gulls. We also protect the area during breeding season from both boats and visitors.
We maintain standing water levels across the reserve, protecting wintering waders and wildfowl from disturbance and pollution. Out on the grassland, we cut back the scrub and mow to maintain different grass heights, while also leaving patches of bare ground. In our shallow pools, we carefully balance the water levels and create open feeding areas for Natterjack Toads. We also cut back aquatic plants, while maintaining threatened Pillwort, the UK's only aquatic fern.
At a glance
Car park situated at the end of Mainsgate Road with a firm stone surface and ample spaces.
There are no toilets here. Nearest facilities are 1 mile away at Haverigg.
There are no toilets here. Nearest facilities are 1 mile away at Haverigg.
Pushchair Accessible
1.5 miles (2.5 km) path to hide with a rolled stone surface. No gates, steps or stiles.
Other paths have been improved to allow easier access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Where pathways have been blocked to prevent unauthorised access by quad bikes and motorbikes they have been done so at a width of 28 inches to allow wheelchair access.
A byway open to all traffic also links the car park with the sea wall.
There are no toilets here. Nearest facilities are 1 mile away at Haverigg.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are allowed anywhere. The reserve is managed as a safe home for breeding birds, so please keep dogs on a lead at all times. This nature reserve is an important place for wildlife.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Contact Hodbarrow
campfield.marsh@rspb.org.uk Hodbarrow, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JY 01697 351330