Ebblake Bog facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Dorset Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 11.3 hectares (28 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ebblake Bog is a really special place for nature in England! It's a large area of wet land, about the size of 28 football fields (11.3 hectares). You can find it near Ringwood, stretching across parts of both Dorset and Hampshire. This amazing bog is protected because it's home to many unique plants and animals.
What Makes Ebblake Bog Special?
Ebblake Bog is a type of wet land called a mire, or bog. It sits in the valley of the Moors River. This area has a very deep layer of peat, which is made from old, partly decayed plants.
A Home for Wildlife
Ebblake Bog is so important that it has several special protections. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife or geology. It became an SSSI in 1985.
It's also part of bigger protected areas like the Dorset Heathlands Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. These names mean it's recognized internationally for its important wetlands and the birds that live there. It's also part of the Dorset Heaths Special Area of Conservation, which protects important habitats and species across Europe.
Unique Plants and Features
Ebblake Bog is different from other similar wet areas in the nearby New Forest. This is because animals have not grazed (eaten plants) here. This lack of grazing means different types of plants can grow.
The bog is mostly covered by plants like willow trees and bog myrtle. You'll also find lots of purple moor grass and different kinds of Sphagnum mosses. These mosses are very important for creating the peat. There are also several shallow pools of water scattered across the bog.
