Orton Moss

Orton Moss is a small wetland habitat to the west of Carlisle in Cumberland, on the Solway Plain. It is protected as a 'site of special scientific interest'.

Orton Moss is a former raised mire and divided into strips and fields which would traditionally have been used for peat cutting and grazing. Formerly noted for its butterflies, it was once the homes of the wood white, (Leptidea sinapis), the large heath, (Coenonympha tullia) and the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia). Most fields are now abandoned causing an increase in woodland cover and these species have disappeared.

Part is maintained as wet meadow by annual mowing or grazing and devil's-bit scabious, knapweed, meadowsweet and wild angelica are abundant. Small remnants of raised mire vegetation including sphagnum moss, bog rosemary and royal fern (Osmunda regalis).

Birds to be seen are willow tits, woodcock, great spotted woodpeckers and willow warblers.

Location

• Location map: 54°52’51"N, 3°1’50"W
• Streetmap: NY339545

References

• Wildlife Trust