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National nature reserves in Cumbria facts for kids

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National Nature Reserves are special places in England where nature is protected. They were first set up by an organisation called English Nature. Now, they are looked after by Natural England, which is a government group. These reserves help protect important plants, animals, and habitats.

Sometimes, other groups help manage these reserves. For example, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) looks after bird habitats. The National Trust also helps protect many beautiful places, including some nature reserves.

There are 25 National Nature Reserves in a county called Cumbria. One very large reserve, called Moor House-Upper Teesdale, is partly in Cumbria and partly in County Durham. Every National Nature Reserve is also part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These SSSIs are areas chosen because they have very special wildlife, geology, or landforms. Moor House-Upper Teesdale is even more special because it's also a Biosphere reserve. This means it's recognised internationally for its unique nature and how people live with it.

What are National Nature Reserves?

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are the most important places for wildlife and geology in England. They are created to protect the very best examples of our natural heritage. This includes rare animals, plants, and special types of land.

Why are NNRs important?

NNRs help keep our natural world healthy. They provide safe homes for many different species. They also allow scientists to study nature and help people learn about the environment. Many NNRs have paths and viewing areas so visitors can enjoy the wildlife.

Habitats in Cumbria's Reserves

The National Nature Reserves in Cumbria protect many different types of natural areas. These areas are called habitats. Each habitat is home to specific plants and animals that are adapted to live there.

Wetlands and Bogs

Many reserves in Cumbria are wetlands. Wetlands are areas where the land is covered by water, either all the time or just for part of the year. Some of these wetlands are also bogs. Bogs are a type of wetland with very wet, spongy ground, often covered in moss. Local people sometimes call bogs "moss."

The European Union is very interested in protecting bogs. This is because bogs are special habitats that store a lot of carbon, which helps fight climate change. They are also home to unique plants and insects.

Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the biggest lakes in the Lake District. It is an important wetland habitat. This lake is famous for being a home for the Osprey, a large bird of prey that catches fish.

Limestone Pavements

Some reserves in Cumbria protect limestone pavements. These are natural rock formations that look like a paved area. They are made of limestone that has been worn down by rain over thousands of years.

Places like Whitbarrow and Park Wood are examples of reserves with these unique limestone habitats. They are home to special plants that can grow in the cracks of the rock.

List of Cumbria's Reserves

Here is a list of the 25 National Nature Reserves found in Cumbria:

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