Abbotts Moss Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abbotts Moss Nature Reserve |
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Shemmy Moss
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| Type | Nature reserve and SSSI |
| Location | Delamere Forest, Cheshire |
| OS grid | SJ595688 |
| Area | 12 hectares (30 acres) |
| Elevation | 75m |
| Operated by | Cheshire Wildlife Trust |
| Open | any reasonable time |
Abbotts Moss is a special place for nature. It is a nature reserve that covers about 12 hectares (which is like 30 football fields!). You can find it near Delamere Forest in Cheshire, England.
This reserve is managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. They work to protect the plants and animals living there. The land is leased from the Forestry Commission. Abbotts Moss is also part of a larger area called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is very important for its wildlife and natural features.
The reserve is located south of the A556 road near Sandiway. A path called the Whitegate Way runs through the middle of it. This path used to be a railway line. Now, it is a popular place for walking and horse riding.
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Why is Abbotts Moss Special?
Abbotts Moss is known for its unique wet habitats. These areas are called acidic wetlands. They are very important for many rare plants and animals.
What is a Quaking Bog?
One of the most interesting features here are two large "quaking bogs." These are also known as Schwingmoors. Imagine a floating mat of plants on top of water!
- This happens when plants like Sphagnum mosses and cotton grass grow on the surface of a pond or lake.
- They form a thick, bouncy layer of vegetation.
- When you walk on it, the ground can actually "quake" or wobble!
Amazing Plants to Discover
Abbotts Moss is home to many plants that are not common in other places. Look out for these cool species:
- Common Cottongrass: This plant has fluffy white seed heads that look like cotton.
- Cranberry: Yes, the same fruit you might eat! It grows wild here.
- Round-leaved Sundew: This is a fascinating carnivorous plant. It has sticky leaves that trap insects for food!
- Lesser Bladderwort: Another carnivorous plant! It has tiny bladders that suck in small water creatures.
- You might also spot crowberry, hare’s-tail cottongrass, bog rosemary, and white beak-sedge.
Wildlife You Might See
This reserve is a haven for many different animals, including some rare ones.
- Dragonflies: Keep an eye out for beautiful dragonflies. The white-faced darter is very rare in the UK. You might also see the downy emerald and black darter.
- Adders: Abbotts Moss is one of only two places in Cheshire where you can find adders. These are venomous snakes, but they are usually shy and will avoid people. It's best to observe them from a distance.
- Birds: Many birds breed here. These include the Eurasian woodcock, common redstart, and tree pipit.
- Spiders: Over 150 different types of spiders have been found at Abbotts Moss! This shows how rich and diverse the habitat is.
Abbotts Moss Nature Reserve is a fantastic place to explore. It helps us understand and protect the amazing natural world around us.
