Map reference
OS 1:50,000
Sheet No. 90
Grid reference NY 478 310
Size
0.3 hectares
Status
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Access
The directions given below take you to the end of the Trust owned strip of Newton Reigny, however the reserve boundaries are not visible on the ground. The moss is very wet with numerous ditches and dense willow scrub. Wellington boots are essential. Extreme care should be taken by visitors and it is recommended that people do not visit the moss alone.
Directions By car From Penrith take B5288 towards Greystoke. Immediately after crossing M6 turn right for Newton Reigny. In the village turn left and park on this road. Follow it on foot until it turns into a farm track and go through gate into field on right hand side. Cross the field turning left at large boulder to the stile onto the moss. By bicycle The reserve is 0.4km/ 0.25 miles from National Route 7 Coast to Coast. By public transport Buses run from Penrith to Newton Reigny.
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Newton Reigny
What to expect on the nature reserve: habitat, wildlife and more (hover over an icon for more info)
Seasonal highlights on the nature reserve
Spring
Plants: bogbean
Birds: woodland bird species
Summer
Plants: marsh cinquefoil, great fen sedge, globe flower
Autumn
General: woodland colours
Winter
General: very wet mossland
All year
General: reserve is very wet and difficult to navigate. Wellington boots are needed at all times. It is not recommended to visit alone.
Overview
Newton Reigny is one of a series of mires in the Eden Valley which formed in depressions on the valley floor left after the ice age. These would initially have been lakes which gradually filled up with vegetation forming peat. At one time, it is likely that Newton Reigny was a rain-fed raised mire (like Drumburgh Moss and Meathop Moss) however it has been considerably modified by man.
Peat was used extensively for domestic fuel until the 19th century and Newton Reigny Moss was divided into 35 strips or stints so that local families could cut their own. Although peat cutting ceased in 1840, the moss is still in multiple ownership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust owning just one small stint. In the early 20th century, Newton Reigny was extremely wet and was home to a large colony of black headed gulls. However drainage, particularly after World War II, led to the moss becoming much drier and willow and alder have now colonised much of the site.
What to see
In addition to the common species of willow, bay, tea-leaved and dark-leaved willow are three more unusual species found on the moss. The wetter parts of the fen support a diversity of sedge species including slender, lesser tussock and great fen sedge. Bog-bean, greater spearwort, marsh cinquefoil, cottongrass, marsh valerian and ragged robin are frequent. The moss has long been known as an excellent site for invertebrates and a number of rare spiders and beetles have been recorded here.
Recent History
The nature reserve was given to the Trust in 1969 by Lt Col St H W T Lewis.
Find us on
Protecting Wildlife for the Future
Registered in England as Cumbria Wildlife Trust Limited,
a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 724133.
Registered Charity No. 218711.
Overview
What to see
