Reserves and speciesHolcroft Moss

Holcroft Moss

Posted by cheshire
2011-05-03 14:15

Holcroft Moss is a SSSI designated lowland raised bog and is thought to be the only known example in Cheshire that has never been cut for peat.  Commercial peat extraction from the bog’s immediate surroundings has however lowered the water table, and this subsequently damaged the hydrology of Holcroft Moss.  The Cheshire Wildlife Trust began work in restoring the bog’s ability to hold water by inserting sheets of plastic piling around the perimeter of the site.  Other forms of management include the sensitive grazing of the Trust’s Hebridean sheep, which help control the invasion of woody species and also restricts the dominance of purple moor grass.  Notable species found on Holcroft Moss include cross-leaved heath, cranberry, cottongrass and six species of sphagnum moss.  During the summertime the bog is a favoured breeding and feeding site of yellowhammer – a UK BAP species, and is home to a small population of common lizard. 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
18.00
Short Description: 
This wetland reserve is the only known area of lowland bog in Cheshire that hasn't been cut for peat
Smartphone Description: 
A raised peat bog, this is the only know area of lowland bog in Chesire that hasn't been cut for peat. It is dominated by purple moor grass, cross-leaved heath, cranberry & 6 species of sphagnum moss have been recorded. There are small scrapes & ponds to encourage duck and several species of invertebrates have been recorded
Location
Address: 
6 miles north east of Warrington & 0.75 miles north west of Glazebrrok immediately south of the M62
Town: 
Glazebrook
County: 
Cheshire
Postcode: 
WA3 5AU
Grid ref: 
SJ 68478 93315
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Permit required
Access info: 
Contact the Trust
Parking: 
No
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01948 820728
Photos
Photo: 
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve