Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve Consultation - Lake District National Park

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Home Protect Nature Lake District National Park National Nature Reserves Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve Consultation

Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve is a 22-hectare reserve at the head of the Rusland Valley and is the northern part of one of the few remaining raised mires – or peat bogs – in the country.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) protect some of our most important habitats, species, and geology, and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research.

Most NNRs offer great opportunities to schools, specialist interest groups and the public to experience wildlife at first hand and to learn more about nature conservation.

About the consultation

As the Responsible Body for managing the Reserve we are statutorily required to maintain an up-to-date management plan. Our intention is to produce a new management plan for the site. The plan will aim to manage the priority wildlife and habitats identified by Natural England and protected by both UK and European law and other considerations such as recreation, access, and information.

Following an initial survey as part of the consultation process, we received 30 responses, which you can view the results of through the online form (opens new tab).

What you said

The majority of responses were broadly positive and welcomed this new management plan for Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve.

Common themes raised included: managing access, provision of information and protecting the wildlife interest.

What we did

Discussed your feedback with Natural England and developed a new management plan which will go out for wider consultation in April 2026.

Thank you for your interest in the management of the NNR and we appreciate your honest feedback.

aerial view of rusland moss wetland landscape with bog wetland, shrubs, woodland and fields

Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve

Bassenthwaite Lake from the shore looking towards snowy topped mountains

Bassenthwaite National Nature Reserve

Bassenthwaite National Nature Reserve

Lake District National Park National Nature Reserves

Woodland floor close up of new tree life

Nature

Woodland creation