Benshaw Moor

The Trust purchased the site in May 2019, considering that it would be inappropriate for it to be used for commercial conifer forestry, which was thought likely when it came on sale. This followed an appeal to raise the amount required, which resulted in donations from charitable trusts, businesses, private donors and a bequest, for use in buying a site of botanical importance, from the estate of George Swan, emeritus professor of organic chemistry at Newcastle University.

The area of the reserve is 258 ha. Since the purchase, the site has been surveyed, to become more familiar with its features, and there has been public consultation regarding its long-term management and arrangement for visitors to access the site. There is blanket bog, heathland, acid grassland, marshy grassland and transitional mire. These varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife. Butterflies in summer include pearl-bordered fritillary and large heath. The bogs have plants such as sphagnum moss, cranberry and roundleaf sundew. There are no paths on the reserve. Visitors are advised to have hill-walking experience if attempting long walks, as it is a remote area and the weather can…