This picturesque corner of Dorset is famous for its spectacular mosaic of open heathland and bogs which support some of England’s rarest wildlife. The NNR and the adjacent Forestry Enterprise land is grazed with cattle. Main habitats: lowland heath made up of dry and wet heath, bog and valley mire Features of interest The majority of this NNR is also designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Area of Conservation (SPA) and Ramsar. Morden Bog is one of the largest valley mire habitats in England, with the dry heath slopes in the north of the reserve containing some of the oldest heather plants to be found in Dorset. The lowland heathland supports insects, reptiles and birds that are rarely found elsewhere and many specialised plants and animals. There are many dragonfly species and the plant life includes the rare marsh clubmoss and brown beak sedge. Also found are bog asphodel and carnivorous plants such as the common sundew and bladderwort. To the north of the reserve, dry heath areas are dominated by heather. Here the site supports birds such as woodlark and nightjar, and reptiles such as smooth snake and sand lizard. See also the downloadable leaflet on Dorset’s heathland National Nature Reserves. Safety Don’t enter the mire (wet ground) under any circumstances because it’s dangerous and floating vegetation can give way. Avoid walking through groups of cows with calves because they might react aggressively to protect their young if you get too close. Keep dogs under control as they can also cause cattle to become aggressive. If this happens, let your dog off the lead and move away from the cattle whilst calling your dog. Keep your arms and legs covered to avoid tick bites when walking through vegetation. Check for bites after your visit and consult your doctor if you develop flu-like symptoms or a rash around the site of the bite. Directions The nearest station is Wareham. A bus service from Wareham passes near the reserve. Contact the Wilts and Dorset Bus Company for details. The B3075 forms part of the site’s eastern boundary and access to the reserve is via tracks from this road. There is a car park off the B3075, 2 km north of its junction with the A351. Contact For more information contact Natural England Enquiries, tel. 0300 060 3900 or email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk