Whilst we were up on the viewing platform we spotted several red deer away in the distance and a couple of buzzards wheeling around looking for lunch. The views from the platform are unlike any others in Cumbria in that the dominant feature is a broad flat grassy plain; the long grasses doing an excellent job of hiding the deer who become visible only when their heads pop up to take a look around.

There was also an impressive abundance of Cotton-grass on the site, both Common and Hare’s-Tail, bobbing around in the warm breeze and an assortment of butterflies flitting around; we spotted Peacocks and Common Whites but there were plenty more and certainly enough to keep the Lepidopterists amongst us happy for some time.

The large boardwalk around the rest of the site is currently closed and awaiting restoration. There are plenty of warning signs and we took a quick look at it; it really isn’t safe just now so definitely best avoided. My advice is to take your binoculars and sarnies and settle into the benches on the viewing platform; the Willow Warblers will serenade you as you enjoy a leisurely lunch and take in the rest of the wildlife.

About the authors: Beth Pipe is an outdoor writer and blogger and Steve is a photographer. You can read more blogs about Life & Hiking in Cumbria by Steve & Beth on their Cumbrian Rambler webpage