HODBARROW RSPB RESERVE

The Nature Reserves are located just two miles from Millom.

Millom Ironworks Local Nature Reserve and the Hodbarrow Nature Reserve are both located on the Duddon Estuary, which is an important area for wildlife. It is legally protected because of the wildlife it supports and the geology it features. Since the 1968 closing of Millom Ironworks, many rare species of flora and fauna have inhabited the area. A seawall was built to keep the sea out at high tide. The lagoon was created when the pumps were turned off and the mine workings flooded after closure. Most of the signs of the area's industrial past were removed in the 1970's and 80's, but two lighthouse towers and the walls of a windmill remain. The reserve is a splended example of how wildlife can recolonise and capitalise on changes made by people. The reserve forms part of the larger Duddon Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Fifty percent of all natterjack toads, the rarest of the native British amphibians, make their home here in Cumbria. They are protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. The toad is claimed to be Europe’s noisiest amphibian; its call can be heard several miles away. It is a nocturnal animal that can live well over a decade.

Photo by Marie Davies

Also present is the Skylark, known for the song of the male, which is delivered while hovering in flight. Their numbers have declined over the last 30 years, only ten percent of the numbers that were present 30 years ago remain. This massive decline is due mainly to changes in farming practices.

Both reserves host a number of wading birds and waterfowl, especially during the winter months. Included in this variety of birds that have made Cumbria their home, is the wigeon, goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, and pintail, as well as the seasonal visitors such as the coot, pochard, teal, grebe, swan, and goose. Birds of prey, such as the beautiful Peregrine falcon, hunt the reserves year round.

Hear the Skylark's song

For those who enjoy plant life, more than 270 species grow on the former mining site. Visitors can see marsh orchids, bee orchids, and pyramidal orchids during the summer months.

These also attract about 19 different species of butterflies, including the Dark Green Fritillary. The upper wings of most fritillaries look fairly similar but the names given sometimes refer to the underwing colouring. There are dark green patches on the underside of the wings of the dark green fritillary. There are pearl coloured spots on the underside of the pearl-bordered fritillary. There are silvery patches on the underside of the silver-washed fritillary. Other fritillary names refer to its preferred habitat eg marsh fritillary.

What to see and when