Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve
The reserve comprises three distinct habitats: mire, heath and woodland. Acid valley mire is found over much of the low-lying parts of the reserve where the ground is waterlogged for most of the year. The wet acid peat of the mire is characterised by rare plants, including bog asphodel, round-leaved sundew, cranberry and white-beaked sedge.
Rare insects thrive here too, including glow-worms, dragonflies such as the black darter, and moths such as the light knot grass. The mire lies on shallow peat and is bordered on one side by a steep escarpment - itself containing large areas of dry heath and woodland - which marks the edge of an ancient coastline.
The woodland at Dersingham is quite recent and contains Scots pine, oak, sweet chestnut, sycamore and birch.
Wildlife highlights: The woodland glades attract birds such as redpoll, crossbill, long-eared owl and sparrowhawk. Woodlark and nightjar breed on the Reserve annually.
The best time to visit the reserve is between July and August.
How top get there: The reserve lies between the town of Dersingham and the village of Wolferton, two km west of Sandringham. The A149 forms the site's eastern boundary, and a disused railway line between Dersingham and Wolferton marks the reserve's western boundary. By car, access is via minor roads from the A149 to Wolferton. There are two car parks offering access to the reserve, one near Wolferton.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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