The Secret Side of Foulshaw Moss

About

See a different side of our Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve! This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive access with a knowledgeable guide.

We'll start with a brisk stroll through the privately owned Ulpha Wood, following the trail the very southern edge of the Moss, with views towards the imposing Whitbarrow Scar.

Continuing on to a private hide overlooking this amazing wetland habitat, we'll stop for a tea-time picnic (think cheese scones, pies and chutney) and a hot or cold drink to fuel you for plenty of wildlife spotting. When you're feeling refreshed, we'll hand out the scopes and binoculars (feel free to bring your own!) and settle in. You'll have a different experience depending on the time of year:

In winter, we'll look out for wildfowl and wading birds searching for food in the reedbeds. We might spot otters carving a line through the water, or glimpse red deer running through the woods. Keep an eye out for marsh harriers swooping low to hunt for prey.

Summer is the time to see an abundance of breeding birds, many of which have migrated thousands of miles from colder countries to breed in our more temperate climate. Dragonflies will be zipping through the warm air, and we might spot a hobby (a small, swift falcon) hunting them over the reedbeds. Deer and otters may also make an appearance. Foulshaw Moss is known for its beloved ospreys – keep your eyes on the sky in summer to see them pass over on their way to the Kent estuary. Young birds are often seen practicing their fishing technique before making their migration later in the year.

Key info

This experience is led by our Nature Reserve and Education officer, Danni Chalmers. Expect to spend around 2.5 hours with us, which may vary slightly depending on which wildlife we see and when!

It's best for people who are physically mobile, able to walk through potentially tricky terrain on the reserve and sit quietly in the hide. The walk to the hide is around 1.25 miles and takes about 45 minutes. It goes through the bogs woodland edge and is a little steep in two sections, but not too steep to walk down with care. The ground is rough underfoot as this is an area that is not under regular management with public access in mind. Danni keeps the walk very relaxed and will make sure that no one is left behind.

Families are welcome, though children should be old enough to focus for a longer period of time and understand the need to be quiet in order to see the wildlife emerge.

PLEASE NOTE: If there aren't enough tickets left on your chosen date, get in touch as we may be able to help.