            |
|
Epworth Turbary - 33.2 Ha
Parish: Epworth
Epworth Turbary is of considerable historic and scientific interest. Dug
for peat in the past, there are areas of active sphagnum bog remaining with
cottongrass and cross-leaved heath. There are also areas of reed swamp and
mixed fen vegetation, where the rare fen sedge, Cladium mariscus, once used
for ridge thatching, can be seen. There are also areas of fen and wet heath
and birch woodland of varying age.
Wildlife
Plants in the fen areas include yellow and purple-loosestrife, and devil’s-bit
scabious. Breeding birds include tree pipit, warblers, finches, green and
great spotted woodpeckers and woodcock. The ponds attract dragonflies and
damselflies as well as greenshank and little grebe. In winter, hen harriers
may be seen on the reserve.
Management
The principal management problems arise from the lowering of the water-table
due to drainage of surrounding land and consequent encroachment of birch scrub
onto the wet heath and fen areas. Removal of birch and the creation of ponds
and small lakes, has been the main management activity. Livestock graze cleared
areas during the summer months to control birch re-growth.
Directions
2.5 km west of Epworth on the Wroot road. The site entrance is near the
bridge over Skyer’s Drain and parking is available through the gate
(which must be closed). Further information: www.lincstrust.org.uk
Key Species on Site
Long-eared owl
Black darter dragonfly
Wood tiger moth
Creeping willow
Fen sedge
Tree pipit
 Click here to download a pdf version of this page
|
|
|
|
