Morden Bog NNR includes one of the largest valley-mire systems in England, and is home to a mosaic of heathland varieties supporting a vast array of species, some of which are extremely rare. Guy Freeman explores the history of Morden Bog, and describes the special wildlife that can be found there.
The Dorset heathlands need little in the way of introduction. They are rightly famed for their concentrations of rare plants and animals and have for centuries drawn naturalists in search of their natural riches. Today, many visitors wishing to experience the heaths will head straight for the flagship reserves on the Isle of Purbeck: the RSPB’s Arne, perhaps, or National Trust’s Studland and Godlingston Heath.