Blelham Bog NNR
Blelham Bog was thought to be an example of a natural 'hydroseral' succession from wet willow woodland to sphagnum bog, however, recent research has suggested that the character of the site might be largely man-made, the result of peat cutting and the diversion of local streams in the 19th century.
County: Cumbria
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 2 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Although a small reserve, the site has diverse habitats including two bog types, wet woodland, dry acidic woodland and acid grassland.
Blelham bog is notable for its invertebrate population, particularly caddis fly, of which around 50 species have been recorded here, some of them rare. Also found at the site are the scarce raft spider, the flat valve snail and the downy emerald dragonfly.
Location and access
The reserve is 1 km from Lake Windermere's north western shore and lies between Blelham Tarn and the B5286.
The nearest train station is in Windermere (6 km to the south east) served by the TransPennine Express. There are bus services (some seasonal) from Windermere along the B5286, via Ambleside. For details go to the Travel Search website.
Although there are no public rights of way across the reserve, there are no access restrictions and a track crosses the site.
Those wishing to visit the site for collecting and scientific purposes should first email Natural England's Cumbria office or telephone 01539 792800.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local villages.
