Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve

Drumburgh moss is a peat bog on the Solway plain. Wet woodland and grassland are also part of the reserve. The area was first a waste land, then the site of a fertiliser factory in the early 1800s, then, in the 20^th century, allotments for animals to graze on. Some of the area also had its peat removed for fuel.

Because it is a bog area it has developed plants that adapt to this type of environment. Sphagnum moss exists in 13 different species. The carnivorous sundew is also found here. Heather, cross-leaved heath, bog rosemary, and cotton grass are other specialist plants growing in the peat bog.

In the summer adders and lizards can be seen. Birds include red grouse, curlew, redshank, and grasshopper warbler. Winter bring some of the Solway geese. Heath butterflies like to eat the local heather. Roe deer, hare, and an occasional fox make their presence known.

Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve is located south of Drumburgh village. From the east, turn left by the post office and continue till you cross a cattle grid and pass Moss cottage. Parking is on the right beyond the cottage.

Photos courtesy of Tony Richards and Charles Winpenny

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