Morden Bog National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Morden Bog NNR is one of the largest valley bog habitats in England, with the dry heath slopes in the north of the reserve containing some of the oldest heather plants in Dorset. The lowland heathland supports insects, reptiles and birds that are rarely found elsewhere and many specialised plants and animals. There are many dragonfly species and the plant life includes the rare marsh clubmoss and brown beak sedge. Also found are bog asphodel and carnivorous plants such as the common sundew and bladderwort. To the north of the reserve, dry heath areas are dominated by heather. Here the site supports birds such as woodlark and nightjar, and reptiles such as smooth snake and sand lizard. This dry heath slopes southwards and as the ground becomes wetter, cross-leaved heath abounds, its pink haze of flowers and grey leaves provide the perfect backdrop for other colourful plants.

Location

West Morden

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.