Roanhead, National Nature Reserve in Sandscale Haws, England
Roanhead is a National Nature Reserve featuring sand dunes, wetland areas, and exposed limestone cliffs along the Cumbrian coast. The landscape slopes toward the Irish Sea and Duddon Estuary, creating distinct zones of habitat that shift between sandy terrain and boggy ground.
Iron mining took place here beginning in 1852 and continued through 1942, leaving behind sunken areas where the ground had shifted. These abandoned pit sites gradually filled with water and became permanent pools within the reserve.
The site sits along the Cumbria Coastal Way, a popular long-distance path that draws walkers through this protected landscape. People come here to experience the natural features while following marked routes that guide them through the dunes and wetlands.
Check tide times before your visit, as water levels change significantly along this coastline. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground alternates between wet bog and loose sand.
The site harbors roughly one quarter of all natterjack toads found across the country, a rare breeding ground for this unusual amphibian. This makes it one of the most important locations for the species' survival in the United Kingdom.
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