Risley Moss

Natural depressions in the glacial drift left by the ice sheets which covered the Cheshire–Shropshire plain during the last ice age, 10,000–15,000 years ago, filled with water, forming the meres and mosses characteristic of the area today. In some cases, like Risley Moss, peat accumulation filled the depression, allowing colonisation by bog mosses such as the Sphagnum varieties, thus giving rise to the name "moss". Risley Moss is one of only two mosses in Cheshire where the water level has been deliberately raised in an attempt to encourage the regeneration of an active bog surface. Risley Moss was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book when it was part of the Culcheth Estate. The Moss passed…

The main feature of Risley Moss is the large peat bog, overlooked by two observation points: a raised platform (previously having a large watchtower) ideal for bird watching, and a smaller lookout (currently obstructed by plant growth). These points have additional information inside relating to bird species and landscape layouts. The Moss also has several smaller huts located inside the forested area for bird watching and nature enthusiasts. Tours across the bog and nature reserve are available from the main information centre and are undertaken by local rangers. In addition to the natural features and landscape, there are several sculptures around the site, usually with a natural theme.