peatland sl nature reserve

An 8000-year old raised bog within whose waterlogged 9 metre deep core lies the remains of the vegetation which grew here over that time. Fed only by rainfall, the acidic bog supports only a group of highly specialised of plants. Most vital are the Sphagnum mosses, which trap the water that helps to preserve plant remains. With nutrients always scarce tiny red sundews supplement their diets by catching and eating insects.

Colour is abundant however, the whites and yellows of the summer cotton-grasses and asphodels giving way to the vivid autumn hues of the heathers and cranberries, while the mosses splash the surface year long, with resplendent reds and oranges. Moths and butterflies frequent the bog expanse; the rare large heath butterfly is a speciality. If looking for them keep an eye out for lizards, they are doing the same!

Numerous snips spend the winter on the site, adding to the residents and to the woodcock which frequent the bog margins. This is a wet fragile place; your footprint may outlive your visit by years, so please stick to the paths.

Facilities:
Car parks, visitor centre, toilets etc.