Danes Moss Nature Reserve
Encyclopedia
Danes Moss Nature Reserve is a nature reserve
managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust
.
Danes Moss near Macclesfield is an oasis of lowland raised bog, one of the scarcest and most threatened habitats in the UK. The open areas of the bog are covered with cotton grass, cross-leaved heath and at least six species of sphagnum moss. The sphagnum mosses are especially important as the remains of dead plants accumulate to form peat, the substrate of the bog. Danes Moss is a real treat for flying insect fans. 11 species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded, including the rare black darter, our smallest dragonfly. They are joined by 19 species of butterfly, including the green hairstreak. In recent years the Trust has undertaken exciting work to expand the reserve. A small adjacent stand of conifers was acquired, the trees cleared, and drains blocked to raise water levels. This area is now regenerating into heathland, although it will take many years to fully reinstate the original flora.
Nature reserve
A nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research...
managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
The Cheshire Wildlife Trust is a wildlife trust covering the county of Cheshire and parts of the counties of Greater Manchester and Merseyside, England...
.
Danes Moss near Macclesfield is an oasis of lowland raised bog, one of the scarcest and most threatened habitats in the UK. The open areas of the bog are covered with cotton grass, cross-leaved heath and at least six species of sphagnum moss. The sphagnum mosses are especially important as the remains of dead plants accumulate to form peat, the substrate of the bog. Danes Moss is a real treat for flying insect fans. 11 species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded, including the rare black darter, our smallest dragonfly. They are joined by 19 species of butterfly, including the green hairstreak. In recent years the Trust has undertaken exciting work to expand the reserve. A small adjacent stand of conifers was acquired, the trees cleared, and drains blocked to raise water levels. This area is now regenerating into heathland, although it will take many years to fully reinstate the original flora.