Short-ARS to Whixall Moss tomorrow

May's Short-ARS walk tomorrow, Saturday 31st, has a slightly different twist on it as it is based on a History Trail on Whixall Moss in Shropshire.

The trail explores the moss and its history of peat cutting over many years (including the discovery of three possibly iron age peat bodies) and also the involvement of the moss in the first and second world wars.

By its nature the walk is fairly slow as we follow the trail but there are also marvellous opportunities to look at the abundant wildlife that is present.

When we went we heard cuckoo, saw curlew, tufted duck and several Hobby in the distance, along with numerous dragonfly. (I think that Whixall Moss is one of only 2 places in England where the White Faced Darter breeds) Also a bi-plane gave us a marvellous acrobatic display but I can't guarantee a repeat of that. Bring your binoculars.

The trail is only about 3 miles long but there is an opportunity to extend the walk to make it nearer 4/5 miles. No stiles present! It was a little bit muddy in places and so boots are recommended.

Dogs are allowed but this is a nature reserve and they MUST be kept on a lead at all times.

Whixall Moss is well known for having plenty of adders but I have been there many times and never seen one. The most likely risk to your health is from the midges, but they weren't too much of a problem when we did the recce although its probably best not to have too much exposed skin!

Meet on Audlem car park at 9.30am.

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