Wetland wildlife hideaway

Get exclusive access to a private area of the outstanding Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve. You'll explore the landscape and spot wildlife with the help of a knowledgeable guide. A tasty picnic from a local supplier will fuel your adventure! 

This experience is available on Saturdays. Book your exclusive event for up to 8 people – please enquire below.

Enquire about this experience

Your experience
 

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

Continuing on to a private hide overlooking this amazing wetland habitat, we’ll stop for a picnic (think cheese scones, chutney and flapjack – we'll do our best to cater for specific dietary requirements) 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 to spot wildlife. 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.

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This experience is best for people who are physically mobile, able to walk through potentially tricky terrain on the reserve and sit quietly in the hide. 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.

The walk to the hide is around 1.25 miles and takes about 45 minutes. It goes through the Moss' 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. Your guide, Danni, keeps the walk very relaxed and will make sure that no one is left behind. Expect to spend around 2.5 hours with us, which may vary slightly depending on which wildlife we see and when. 

PLEASE NOTE: This experience doesn't start at the Foulshaw Moss car park, so please read your booking details carefully.

Enquire about this experience

What's included?

Food & drink

• Brunch treats or a picnic-y tea, depending on whether your event is morning or evening!. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cordial will be available.

Equipment

•  We'll have binoculars and scopes ready to use at the hide. You can bring your own binoculars if you prefer.
   

What will I need to bring?
 

Warm Clothing 

• You’ll be outside the whole time, so dress appropriately for the season and be prepared for changeable weather. Bring layers, plus a hat and gloves. Sturdy boots are a must for walking through the woodland – please note that the ground may be muddy.

Waterproofs 

• Bring a waterproof jacket, even if the weather is fine – it's best to avoid getting caught short! You could also bring waterproof trousers as an extra layer for your legs.

Extras

• During warmer months, you might also want to bring insect repellent.

Income from our Wildlife Experiences supports our work, so by joining us for an experience, you're helping to protect wildlife in Cumbria.