This earthcahe is situated just off the Llangollen Canal close to the Wales/Shropshire border overlooking Whixall Moss. The Mosses cover an area of nearly 1000 hectares and are listed as a site of special scientific interest and a European special area of conservation. It is also listed as a wetland of international importance.
The acidic waterlogged environment allows a large number of rare bog plants to survive. This special environment also attracts a large number of different species of insects including a large variety of butterflies and dragonflies. A large variety of birds and waterfowl also inhabit the moss. Birds of prey such as Hobby's and Buzzards are a common sight attracted by a plentiful supply of food.
Man has worked these peat bogs for many years extracting the peat for use as fuel. A bronze age axe dating back nearly 3000 years was once dug from the peat, which shows how long man has lived and worked here. There is also evidence of later peat workings which can still be seen today.
There are many trails which you can walk across the moss, so it is well worth a visit. Please keep to the marked trails and canal towpath.
Once you have reached the coordinates simply send us the answers to the following questions and as an optional extra please post a photo of you or your GPS by the information board:
Q1. Look out from the GZ and give a brief description of the landscape.
Q2. Explain how you think this bog was formed?
Q3. What do you think the peat is mostly made up of?
Q4. Peat has been cut from this area for many many years for use as fuel or compost, but what effect do you think 'peat cutting' from the Moss may have had on the environment and why.
This is a great place to spend a few minutes to enjoy the area while you are here.