Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve

Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses comprise three linked peat bogs that form one of Britain's largest lowland raised bog systems. The reserve stretches across the England-Wales border and features open wetland with typical bog vegetation and numerous water features.

Large-scale peat cutting began in the mid-1800s and transformed the landscape for generations. The Nature Conservancy Council halted extraction in 1990 by purchasing the working leases, shifting the site from resource exploitation to conservation.

Iron Age bodies preserved in the peat reveal how ancient people used this landscape thousands of years ago. These archaeological remains show the deep connection between human activity and the bog's formation over time.

Visitors can follow well-maintained walking trails that connect the three moss areas and suit different activity levels. Start at the Manor House Nature Reserve Base, where parking is available and staff can provide guidance on route options.

The bog supports hundreds of moth species and dozens of dragonfly types, creating insect diversity that ranks among the richest in Britain. Many visitors overlook this exceptional abundance while focusing on the landscape itself.

Inception: 1953

GPS coordinates: 52.92160,-2.76446

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00