Agden Bog Nature Reserve

A visit to Agden Bog can be incorporated into a great day out walking, on the edge of the picturesque Peak District National Park. The habitat around Agden Bog consists of birch woodland surrounding the reservoir, and of heather moorland dominated by bracken, heather and bilberry growing in the acidic soil. The reserve itself sits on millstone grit with peaty soils.

The area of bog is found in the centre and to the north of the reserve with species such as common cottongrass, cowberry, cranberry and heath spotted-orchid present. Plants usually associated with more mineral soils are also found on the reserve including the pretty pink-white cuckoo flower, an important plant for the orange tip butterfly. Amphibians such as the common frog and common lizard can be spotted here, as well as invertebrates such as three different species of the big, hairy wolf spider. Invertebrates need be aware though as two insectivorous plants, the round-leaved sundew with its dewy appearance which is actually a sticky substance to trap flies, and common butterwort where its leaves curls around and trap insects are found at Agden Bog.

To ensure the habitat remains as it is and continues to support its range of plants and insects birch saplings are periodically removed to ensure the area does not move onto woodland. Bracken which can become fiercely invasive is also controlled by removing fronds.

Directions

The reserve is situated approximately eight miles north-west of Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Access is from the A6102, taking the High Bradfield road at Oughtibridge.

From the High Bradfield road half-way down the hill towards Low Bradfield take a right turn and skirt Agden Reservoir. Park off-road on the left just before the right-hand bend and opposite the houses. A gate on the left just beyond the parking area identifies the picturesque track that leads past the reserve.