Location
Two miles south of Whitchurch, east of the A41. Grid ref SJ563393. A map is available via the Map showing parks and countryside sites link on this page.
Recreational Activities
There are several reasonably level, well defined circular walks, most of which require stout footwear or wellingtons.
A family-friendly route has been designed at the site and is available for download on this page. (Other family-friendly walks are available at other countryside sites).
Brown Moss is one of Shropshire’s most interesting sites for plants, with over 200 species of wild plants, including the rare Floating Water Plantain. With its marshes, pools, heathland and woodland, a great variety of wildlife flourishes here, including great spotted woodpeckers, jays, and common and great crested newts. In the summer, large numbers of froglets can be seen making a mass exodus from the pools, whilst dragonflies are glimpsed hunting around the ponds and woodland edges.
Because of its wildlife interest, Brown Moss is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and RAMSAR site.
Following wide consultation, the latest management plan for the site has been agreed. The full plan, or a smaller summary plan, can be downloaded from this page. Please contact us via the details on this page if you have any comments.
Unfortunately in recent years the site has been invaded by crassula helmsii, a very successful non-native which is smothering some of the more delicate plants on site. When visiting this site, please keep to the paths and away from the edges of the pools. This will help limit the spread of this plant and reduce the damage to fragile marsh areas.
Habitat Management
During the winter months of 2012, we will continue work to remove scrub and young trees which are invading the site. Scrub growth will continue to be a problem here unless grazing is re-established onto the site. Without management of the site the heathland area, the pools and many of the valuable and interesting plants and animals which make Brown Moss so special would disappear. If you would like to know more, or would like to volunteer to help with work at Brown Moss, please contact us via the details on this page.
Grazing
Grazing is the best way of managing the marsh vegetation and heathland on this site, and we are looking to support or introduce grazing management where feasible.
You might also like to visit Melverley Farm, one of Shropshire Wildlife Trust's nature reserves, which is 2-3 km north-east, within easy walking distance. Hay meadows, high hedges and small fields take you into a different world. A roughly circular walk of approximately 8 km (5 miles) is possible on footpaths and country lanes. Follow the link on this page to find out more.
If you or your organisation would like to hold a public event on this site, please contact us via the details on this page.