Kielder Mires National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Situated above the vast coniferous expanse of Kielder Forest – England’s largest forest – the Kielder Mires NNR forms part of England’s largest area of blanket bog. The reserve is formed by two deep peat mires known as Grain Heads Moss and Coom Rigg Moss, a collection of more than 50 recognised peat bogs known as the Border Mires, which are mostly located within the boundaries of Kielder Forest. In addition to NNR status, Grain Heads Moss and Coom Rigg Moss are also Ramsar sites and Special Areas of Conservation. One of the best examples of a restored bog is Bellcrag Flow, a rain-fed peat bog close to the Pennine Way. It is noted for its fine bog vegetation and insects such as sphagnum moss and dragonflies.

Location

Kielder

About the area

If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.

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Kielder Mires National Nature Reserve

Kielder

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Kielder Mires National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

Situated above the vast coniferous expanse of Kielder Forest – England’s largest forest – the Kielder Mires NNR forms part of England’s largest area of blanket bog. The reserve is formed by two deep peat mires known as Grain Heads Moss and Coom Rigg Moss, a collection of more than 50 recognised peat bogs known as the Border Mires, which are mostly located within the boundaries of Kielder Forest. In addition to NNR status, Grain Heads Moss and Coom Rigg Moss are also Ramsar sites and Special Areas of Conservation. One of the best examples of a restored bog is Bellcrag Flow, a rain-fed peat bog close to the Pennine Way. It is noted for its fine bog vegetation and insects such as sphagnum moss and dragonflies.

Location

Kielder

About the area

Area image

If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.

Explore Northumberland