Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
A Shared Responsibility for a Very Special Place
Festival of the Solway Mosses
Saturday 16th Aug - Sunday 17th Aug
Discover more about the amazing peatbog landscapes, and wonderful wildlife of our marvellous Mosses.
- Amazing meat-eating plants!
- Beautiful butterflies and moths!
- Dragon- & damselflies!
- Brilliant birds!
August is the best time to see Cumbria's peatbogs at their most stunning and the Festival will provide a rare opportunity for people to join the experts to explore the fabulous wealth of wildlife to be found in this extraordinary and beautiful place - and it's all free!
The Solway Mosses are rare survivors of a wild and spectacular wetland landscape. Over many thousands of years, the remains of plants have been slowly building up to form domes of thick peat. The resulting patchwork of waterlogged land and open pools has encouraged a unique and important wildlife community to form and flourish.
The South Solway Mosses include four distinct areas of peatland at Bowness Common, Glasson Moss, Wedholme Flow and, Drumburgh Moss. These precious wetlands (also called peatbogs, mires or mosses) provide a home to scores of rare species, some not found anywhere else.
Come along and celebrate Cumbria's unique peat bogs at one of the FREE events.
EVENTS:
Saturday 9th August - National moth night- Come to Glasson Moss and explore the rare and beautiful moth life of the mosses with local experts. Please telephone to book on 016973 50005. Meet at the entrance to Glasson Moss National Nature Reserve on the Kirkbride to Bowness on Solway road at 9.00pm.
- Grid ref NY230601
- Tuesday 12th August - Lunchtime Lecture
- Archaeologist Tim Padley explores the human pre-history of peatlands in Cumbria. Watery places such as peat bogs were viewed as entrances to the 'other world' and offerings and sacrifices made at some sites have been preserved in the peat. Tim uncovers accounts of bog-bodies, stone axes and other artefacts found in Cumbrian peat bogs.
- Tullie House, Carlisle 1.00 - 1.30pm
Wednesday 13th August - Birds, bogs and bugs- Come on kids - bring the family and get stuck in and explore the weird and wonderful lives of all those plants and animals that live in the BOG! Lots to do, including arts and crafts, quizzes and trails. Tullie House, Carlisle. Drop in anytime between 10.00am & 4.00pm
Saturday 16th August - Wander on Wedholme- Join the plod across Wedholme Flow with expert insight into what you can see in this magical place during the guided walk. Meet at Wedholme car park, 1.00-4.00pm
- Grid ref NY238538
For further information about any of the events please contact Natural England on 016973 50002
You can download a pdf with information about the Peatland for People Project.
Working together in the "Peatlands for People" project. Natural England, the RSPB, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency and Solway Coast AONB
Solway Coast AONB © 2006 
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