Muckle Moss is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)[1][2] and a National Nature Reserve[3] located near Bardon Mill in Northumberland, England. Muckle Moss is a mire over deep peat, and its boundaries include Blackdyke Plantation.

Muckle Moss
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Muckle Moss is located in Northumberland
Muckle Moss
Location within Northumberland
LocationNorthumberland
Grid referenceNY799668
Coordinates54°59′43″N 2°18′57″W / 54.995370°N 2.3157048°W / 54.995370; -2.3157048
Area368.2 acres (1.490 km2; 0.5753 sq mi)
Notification1984

Muckle Moss SSSI was previously notified as part of Roman Wall SSSI[1].

Details

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The central area of the protected area is dominated by the mosses Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum recurvum and Sphagnum cuspidatum. Rare moss species recorded here include Sphagum riparium, Sphagnum balticum and Sphagnum dusenii. Heather and cross-leaved heath are present on ridges.[1]

Insect species recorded at this protected area include large heath butterfly and green hairstreek butterfly.[1]

This peatland previously supported a plantation and the peatland was historically modified by draining.[4]

Land ownership

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Muckle Moss SSSI is situated within the Crow Hall Farm estate.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "SSSI detail". designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  2. ^ "Protected Planet | Muckle Moss". Protected Planet. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  3. ^ "Designated Sites View". designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  4. ^ Pearson, M. C. (1960). "Muckle Moss, Northumberland: I. Historical". Journal of Ecology. 48 (3): 647–666. doi:10.2307/2257340. ISSN 0022-0477.
  5. ^ Robinson, Abi (2023-08-18). "Northumberland livestock farm with significant natural capital comes to market". GSC Grays. Retrieved 2024-11-22.