Crowle Moor Nature Reserve
The still extensive tract of Hatfield, Thorne, Goole and Crowle Moors is but a remnant of the vast complex of moor, bog and fen that once surrounded the head of the Humber estuary and included much of Lincolnshire's Isle of Axholme. Drainage and clearance for agriculture from the 17th century onwards left the present moors as 'islands' of raised peat bog, formerly used as turbaries by the villages around.
The reserve is one of the richest lowland peat vegetation areas in the north of England. The higher, drier areas carry heather, bracken and birch scrub; the wetter parts have reedbeds, cottongrass, Sphagnum bog, willow carr and open water. Rarer plants include bog rosemary, dune helleborine and greater yellow rattle.
Wildlife highlights: These varied habitats support a rich bird, mammal and insect fauna. The large heath butterfly occurs here at the south-eastern limit of its range in Britain. More than 30 breeding birds have been recorded, including long-eared owl, woodcock, nightjar and tree pipit. Grass snake and adder are present.
Location and access: Crowle Moor is reached from an unclassified road running north-west from Crowle village. For the southern area, park at grid reference SE 756137 where there is a visitors' car park from where a waymarked route of about 2 km (1.25 miles) starts. For the northern area, where there is a longer waymarked route of some 6 km (3.75 miles), park at the roadside at SE 759145. It is advisable to follow the waymarked routes, as the reserve is large and complex. There is a particular danger of fire and therefore visitors are requested not to smoke while on the reserve.
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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