Fenn's, Whixhall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve
Recommended by
Overview
The Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses NNR near Whitchurch is an internationally important raised bog. The reserve features 18 species of bog moss, as well as many other characteristic bog plants such as the insect-eating round-leaved sundew, and more uncommon plants like bog asphodel, cloudberry, cranberry, bog rosemary, lesser bladderwort, white-beaked sedge, and some rare mosses including the rare golden bogmoss. Insects include the raft spider, the window-winged sedge caddisfly and 29 species of dragonfly and damselfly including the white-faced darter dragonfly and rare picture-winged bog craneflies. There are also 670 different species of moth, including the purple-bordered gold, the northern footman, dingy mocha and Manchester treble-bar. The 32 species of butterfly include brimstone, green hairstreak and large heath. There are 166 recorded species of birds, including curlew, teal and shoveller. Raptors include the hen harrier and hobby and over-wintering short-eared owl.The outflow ditches of the Mosses are a stronghold for watervoles.
About the area
Perhaps nowhere else in England will you find a county so deeply rural and with so much variety as Shropshire. Choose a clear day, climb to the top of The Wrekin, and look down on that ‘land of lost content’ so wistfully evoked by A E Housman.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Fernwood Caravan Park
A peaceful park set in wooded countryside, with a screened, tree-lined touring area and coarse fishing lake. The approach to the park passes colourful shrubs and flower beds, and part o...
Hawkstone Hall
The original manor at Hawkstone Hall dates back to 1556 where the property and land first entered Lord Hill's family ownership. Previously occupied by Catholic missionaries and under th...
The Happy Pheasant
Set on a 37-acre farm that is a haven for wildlife, The Happy Pheasant has 18 hardstanding pitches with 10-amp smart meter electric hookups, drinking water and grey waste disposal. CCTV...
The Trotting Mare Caravan Park
Located between Overton-on-Dee and Ellesmere, this adults-only touring park is quietly located behind the Trotting Mare pub. The majority of pitches are fully serviced, and creative lan...
The Bear Inn
Located in the historic village of Hodnet, The Bear Inn is a lovingly restored, former coaching inn. The interior retains many original features with quality, furnishings, artwork and d...
Ternhill Farm House
This elegant Grade II listed Georgian property, once a farmhouse, has been lovingly converted into friendly, family-run guest accommodation. Bedrooms are individually designed and offer...
Riverside Cabins
Opened in 2020, Riverside Cabins’ glamping cabin pods sleep 2 to 4 in studio style while larger boutique lodges sleep up to 6 in 3 bedrooms. Each has its own private hot tub and fire p...
Sunnyside Farm Caravan Park & Fishery
Located on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, this park provides excellent facilities for both touring caravan and motorhome visitors with spacious and fully serviced pitches. Touring pitches...
