Join us on 11 September for Events to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Mosses NNR

September 6, 2021

Photo is a bird’s-eye view of the Marches Mosses

Note: This post contains a link to an external website.

In 1991 – 30 years ago this month – Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses (collectively “The Marches Mosses”) were designated as a National Nature Reserve. Prior to that, the peatlands, located south west of Whitchurch, were partially drained, reduced in size, and damaged by commercial peat cutting.

Tthat meant that the Mosses (which also include Cadney Moss and the Shropshire Wildife Trust owned Wem Moss) were a dramatically disappearing habitat. By the end of the 1980s, it was clear that their protection was of national importance. For thirty years, the NNR has been cared for by a team from Natural England (previously English Nature), who, under the guidance of Reserve Manager Dr Joan Daniels, have worked to restore the peatland to its former condition.

To celebrate 30 years of National Nature Reserve designation, Natural England and other partners of the BogLIFE project are welcoming Natural England Chair Tony Juniper and Natural Resources Wales Chair Sir David Henshaw to the reserve on 10th September to see first-hand the work that has been carried out to restore the Mosses and raise awareness of their importance.

On 11th September, a number of public events will also be held between 10am and 4pm. We’d love you to join us to celebrate and learn more about this internationally-important site.

Use the links next to each event or more information and to book for the events of your choice. (The links take you to the Shropshire Wildlife Trust website booking page.)

· Peat-surface-sky: Banners celebrating the Mosses created by Wem Youth group book here

· A Late Summer Walk with Stephen Barlow book here

A Bug Safari on the Mosses with Shropshire Wildlife Trust book here

· Art Trail of sounds and sculpture- a guided tour with lead artist Andrew Howe book here

All events start from the Old Scrapyard car park at Morris’s Bridge, Whixall, Whitchurch SY13 2RT. See you there!