Brown Moss

Brown Moss is one of Shropshire’s most interesting sites for plants, with over 200 species of wild plants, including the rare Floating Water Plantain. With its marshes, pools, heathland and woodland, a great variety of wildlife flourishes here, including great spotted woodpeckers, jays, and common and great crested newts. In the summer, large numbers of froglets can be seen making a mass exodus from the pools, whilst dragonflies are glimpsed hunting around the ponds and woodland edges.

brownmossfestwalk

Because of its wildlife interest, Brown Moss is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and RAMSAR site.

Unfortunately, in recent years the site has been invaded by crassula helmsii, a very successful non-native which is smothering some of the more delicate plants on site. When visiting this site, please keep to the paths and away from the edges of the pools. This will help limit the spread of this plant and reduce the damage to fragile marsh areas.

Recreational Activities

There are several reasonably level, well defined circular walks, most of which require stout footwear or wellingtons. A family-friendly route has been designed at the site.

Habitat Management

During the winter months of 2012, we will continue work to remove scrub and young trees which are invading the site. Scrub growth will continue to be a problem here unless grazing is re-established onto the site. Without management of the site the heathland area, the pools and many of the valuable and interesting plants and animals which make Brown Moss so special would disappear. If you would like to know more, or would like to volunteer to help with work at Brown Moss, please contact us via the details on this page.

Grazing

Grazing is the best way of managing the marsh vegetation and heathland on this site, and we are looking to support or introduce grazing management where feasible.

Web Links

themeresandmosses.co.uk

shropshire.gov.uk

shropshirewalking.co.uk

Popular Whitchurch, Shropshire Pages