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Hatfield Moor - 1,400 Hectares Natural
England
The 1400 hectares of Hatfield Moor represent part of the largest area of
degraded, lowland raised bog in Britain - the Humberhead Peatlands National
Nature Reserve. The mosaic of habitats include lakes, sandy margins, birch
scrub, mature dry woodland, acid grassland, restored degraded raised bog and
wet and dry heath.
Wildlife
There are many birds of prey such as hobby, peregrine falcon and sparrowhawk.
Roe deer, fox and stoat occur as well as the grass snake and adder. Many rare
insects have been found on site and both dragonflies and butterflies are present
in large numbers. Wildfowl and waders can be found on the areas of wetland
and birds such as sand martins have colonised the lakeside banks.
The piping call of the oystercatcher can be heard near to areas of bare
sand and gravel where they prefer to lay their eggs.
Management
The area had been worked for sand and gravel extraction for 35 years. When
extraction ceased in 1999, Tarmac and English Nature worked together to create
the wonderful mosaic of habitats seen today. Management includes scrub clearance
to keep invasive plant species at bay. Grazing with Hebridean sheep improves
the overall wildlife value of the reserve and prevents species encroachment.
Directions:
From M180 take A614 junction and follow Doncaster signs. Turn off at Hatfield
Woodhouse (opposite the Green Tree Restaurant). Turn left in Hatfield Woodhouse
onto Remple Lane and then onto Hollingbridge Road and follow road, passing
over dyke to the car park.
Key Species on Site:
Large red damselfly
Nightjar
Woodlark
Common lizard
Adder
Teal
Wigeon
Cottongrass
Bog rosemary
Sphagnum moss
Historical remnants of Scot’s pine forest
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