Muckle Moss National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Muckle Moss NNR is a peat bog occupying an oval-shaped depression between two parallel sandstone ridges. The mire surface is a saturated carpet of multi-coloured bog mosses, cotton grass and heather, surrounded by heath, woodland and grassland. There are panoramic views from the ridges across the Tyne Valley to the North Pennines, Cross Fell and north to Hadrian’s Wall and the Border Uplands. The main features of the site are the mire habitats and the unique surface patterning which can be seen all year and viewed from the western sandstone ridges. Surrounding the mire are a mixture of habitats including dry heath, broadleafed and coniferous woodlands, and agricultural grassland. The drier heather ridges and bog edges are good places to spot Britain’s only poisonous snake, the adder, and the showy emperor moth. Breeding birds on the NNR include teal, curlew and snipe on the mire, meadow pipit, skylark and lapwing on the grassland.
About the area
If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Self-Catering
Old Brewery Cottage and Old Brewery Coach House
- Total units: 2
- Private garden
- Lawn area
- Garden furniture
Nearby places to stay
Old High Shield
Old High Shield Cottage is a spacious bungalow with lovely views of Northumberland’s striking scenery. Part of that scenery is one of the UK’s most important historical features, Hadria...
Old High Shield
Old High Shield Cottage is a spacious bungalow with lovely views of Northumberland’s striking scenery. Part of that scenery is one of the UK’s most important historical features, Hadria...
Old Brewery Cottage and Old Brewery Coach House
Two stone-built Grade 2 listed cottages nestled behind the owners' residence but with independent access. Set in a gravelled courtyard and with off-road parking, the cottages are ideal ...
Old Repeater Station
Old Repeater Station started life as one of several buildings used as repeater stations on the Newcastle to Carlisle railway line. Now converted into a bed and breakfast, it enjoys an e...
Poplars Riverside Caravan Park
Poplars Riverside is on the banks of the River Tyne, with salmon and trout fishing. Spend your day lazing by the river with the ducks or take a short walk into the village. Gateshead Me...
Langley Castle Hotel and Restaurant
Langley is a magnificent 14th-century fortified castle, with its own chapel, set in 10 acres of parkland. There is an award-winning restaurant, a comfortable drawing room and a cosy bar...
Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site
Nestled in rural Northumberland, just 1.5 miles from Haltwhistle and close to the iconic Hadrian's Wall, Herding Hill Farm Touring & Camping Site offers a stunning setting with breathta...
Herding Hill Farm, Glamping site
Located above the town of Haltwhistle and very close to Hadrian’s Wall, this developing glamping site is ideally suited for walkers, ramblers and historians alike. Separate from the tou...
