About the reserve

The wet central part of the reserve has probably been a marsh for over 150 years, as the area was known as "the Moors" (i.e. marsh/fen) at the time of the 1844 Tithe map. The main interest of this site lies in the very rich marshland flora which includes a number of nationally rare or local species.

One of the most spectacular plants in early May is the Globe Flower, growing here in quite large drifts at the southern-most limit of its range in Britain. Other notable species include marsh helleborine, fragrant orchid, wild columbine, petty whin, butterwort, greater butterfly orchid, bog pimpernel, lesser twayblade. meadow saffron and cotton grass.

There is a good variety of bird life, both migrant and resident, while the now very local Wood White butterfly can be seen on the wing in early summer. Frogs breed regularly in the small pools within the marsh.