Whixall Moss

Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses NNR

Straddling the English-Welsh border, near Whitchurch, lies one of the biggest and best raised bogs in Britain. Its varied wildlife makes it a place of international importance

Main habitats: lowland raised bog, wet woodland, wet peaty fields, heathland and grassland. With the restoration of water levels, there have been major changes in the birdlife of the Mosses, the 166 recorded species including wetland birds such as breeding curlew, teal and shoveler. There have been many more sightings of raptors including hobby and over-wintering hen harrier and short-eared owl.

The reserve has 18 species of bog moss, as well as the insect-eating round-leaved sundew, bog asphodel and bog rosemary.

Invertebrates include raft spider, and 29 species of dragonfly and damselfly. True bog specialists, including the white-faced darter dragonfly are now back from the brink of extinction. The 32 species of butterfly include the unmistakable brimstone, the green hairstreak and the real bog butterfly – the large heath – which lives on cotton sedge and cross-leaved heath. Adders and common lizard are also thriving.

Directions:

We will meet at the over-spill “scrapyard” car park near Morris Bridge Car Park.

Be ready to depart at 10am prompt.

[Location of Morris Bridge car park: SY13 2RT]

Location of scrapyard car park:

What3Words: ///sunset.habits.developer

Grid reference: SJ 49170 35381 Google maps drop pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2JLiCuL4DTNAq5Ha6

You approach the car park along Moss Lane and by crossing over the canal on a wooden bridge. The entrance to Morris Bridge car park is almost immediately on the left. GO PAST this entrance for a few more yards and turn left onto a track. The over-spill “scrapyard” car park is in 100-200 yards on the right. Only park in the designated area in here.

See map attached.

We will focus on Whixall Moss for our walk. We can decide on the day whether we return to the cars for lunch or take lunch with us. We may walk around 4 -5 miles, depending on the weather and group consensus.

The area has little shelter, so bring suncream and insect repellent, and appropriate clothing.

The paths are mostly grass/earth but flat and generally good except after rain when they can be muddy in places.

There are no toilets and no cafe here.

NOTE: As there are areas of deep bog and unexploded ordinance, it is important that you do not stray off the paths! See attached Visitor Site Safety Map and Advice leaflet.

If the weather forecast is very bad for the day (hopefully not!), please text/WhatsApp me on Friday evening to get confirmation that the trip is going ahead.

Any questions in the meantime, please contact me.

Hugh

07527 828 571