Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve is an SSSI straddling the English/Welsh border near Whitchurch. It is a rare example of lowland raised bog and is of international importance for its wildlife. It is known for its dragonflies and damselflies, butterflies and plants, as well as the birds.
We will meet at the NNR base at Manor House at 9:30am
There are toilets at the Manor House.
What to Bring:
Directions to Manor House NNR Base
Address: Manor House, Moss Lane, Whixall, Shropshire, SY13 2PD
Grid ref: SJ50525 36564
What 3 words: offhand.eruptions.originate
Google maps drop pin: https://goo.gl/maps/PUtQRGNBMfdbAXfk9
From Whitchurch
Follow A525 (Wrexham), turn left at Redbrook Hunting lodge (A495 – signed Ellesmere); take 1st left (signed with brown NNR road sign, Fenn’s Bank and Whixall). Follow for approx 3km. Turn right on sharp left-hand bend up no-through road with post box on corner (follow white ‘NNR Base’ road sign). The Reserve Base is portakabin offices and large green sheds 300m along on right. If you reach the canal bridge you have gone too far.
From Wrexham/Chester
Follow B5426 to Bangor on Dee, turn right onto A525 (signed Whitchurch), turn right at Redbrook Hunting Lodge (A495 – signed Ellesmere) and follow (a) as above.
From Shrewsbury/Wem
From Wem take B5476, New Street, (signed Whixall). Just after Edwards Garage, Coton, turn left (signed Whixall and brown NNR road sign); take 3rd right at Bostock Hall barn conversion; at T-junction turn right and follow white ‘NNR Base’ signs. At the crossroads with the corrugated Heras fencing ahead of you turn left, drive over the canal bridge and after 50m turn left up no-through road on sharp right-hand bend; the Base is the portakabins and green sheds 300m on right.
From Ellesmere/Oswestry
Take the A495 From Ellesmere. Go through Welshampton and Bronington. Take the right turn at the Fenn’s Bank lay-by (signed with brown NNR road sign, Fenn’s Bank and Whixall). Follow for approx 3km. Turn right on sharp left-hand bend up no-through road with post box on corner (follow white ‘NNR Base’ road sign). The Reserve Base is portakabin offices and large green sheds 300m along on right. If you reach the canal bridge you have gone too far.
Good paths but may be a bit muddy after rain (not surprising for a bog!), and there is little or no shelter. Insect repellent can be useful especially on warm, still days. So come prepared.
Contact me with any questions.
Hugh
07527 828 571