About the reserve

Abbots Moss, with a peat base dating from around 7000 years ago, lies surrounded by Delamere Forest. The site is a superb example of a floating ‘schwingmoor’ bog, and is home to a number of delicate and specialised plants and wildlife, including the carnivorous sundew. As one of the few remaining remnants of this rare habitat in Cheshire, and a habitat that is easily damaged and difficult to safely negotiate, it has restricted public access. Comprising of 12 ha across Shemmy Moss and South Moss, a mosaic of bog pools, heath, sphagnum rafts and flora provide a haven for large numbers of dragonflies including four-spotted chasers. Green hairstreak butterflies are also found at Abbots Moss. There is also an impressive list of almost 150 spiders recorded on the moss.