The Bog

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Dorset

England

The Bog

Birch trees beside Puddletown Road Credit: JThomas

The Bog, located in Dorset, England, is a coastal marshland area known for its unique and diverse ecosystem. Situated on the edge of the English Channel, it features a combination of marshes and saltings, creating a rich and fertile landscape.

Covering an approximate area of 500 acres, The Bog is characterized by its extensive network of shallow pools, reed beds, and salt pans. These pools are formed due to the influx of seawater during high tides, which then evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated salt solution. This process creates a brackish environment that is home to numerous species of plants and animals adapted to this specific habitat.

The vegetation in The Bog is highly diverse, with a mix of salt-tolerant plants and grasses. Common species found here include sea lavender, sea aster, and cord grass, which provide important habitats and food sources for a variety of bird species. The Bog is particularly renowned for its birdlife, attracting both resident and migratory species throughout the year. Visitors may spot wading birds such as curlews, dunlins, and avocets, as well as a variety of waterfowl like teal and shelducks.

Apart from its ecological significance, The Bog also offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The area is managed by conservation organizations to preserve its delicate balance and ensure the continued protection of its unique flora and fauna.

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The Bog Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.7114/-2.1866457 or Grid Reference SY8690. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Birch trees beside Puddletown Road

JThomas

Puddletown Road

JThomas

Old Boundary Marker on Lower Hyde Heath

Boundary Marker on Lower Hyde Heath, southwest of Stroud Bridge. On the boundary of Bere Regis and Wareham St Martin parishes. Milestone Society National ID: DO_BERWSM01bm

W Halliday

Nightjar eggs, Philliols Heath

Whilst trying to get a better vantage point to photograph a buzzard, I was surprised by a nightjar erupting from the heather just in front of me. To my astonishment, there in the place where the bird had been, were two very well camouflaged eggs. I didn't want to disturb the bird any more than I had already done so but I just had to get a shot of the bird itself...

Ian Andrews

Nightjar, Philliols Heath

Having disturbed the bird on its eggs the previous day I returned the following day to try to get a pic of the bird itself. This time I stayed about 10 feet away. The bird was virtually invisible due to its camouflaged plumage; although it appears to be dozing with just a tiny slit of eye visible, this is simply a further attempt by the bird to become invisible; it is actually wide awake but hiding its very dark and very visible eyes.

Ian Andrews

Pitcher plants, Philliols Heath

My understanding is that these plants are sarracenia purpurea, the purple pitcher plant, an insectivorous plant native of North America. This pic shows three large groups but a wider angle would reveal closer to 50 of them. I know that many believe that as an alien species they should be removed and destroyed but whatever your belief, you can't deny their beauty and the fact that they're fascinating.

Ian Andrews

Lower Hyde Heath, gorse

On access land, on the Trigon Estate. Bushes were probably cut last year, providing plants of a similar size.

Mike Faherty

Lower Hyde Heath, track junction

On access land, on the Trigon Estate.

Mike Faherty

Lower Hyde Heath, plantation

On access land, on the Trigon Estate.

Mike Faherty

Lower Hyde Common, bird feeder

At the boundary of heathland and coarse grazing, on the Trigon Estate.

Mike Faherty

Barn, Philliols Farm

Not nationally listed, but the barn just showing behind it is grade II.

Robin Webster

Woodland, River Piddle valley

Looking across one of the strands of the Piddle, hidden by lush vegetation, but marked by the line of a white umbellifer.

Robin Webster

Puddletown Road

Higher Hyde Heath nature reserve is to the right.

Robin Webster

Bare silver birches by Puddletown Road

On the edge of Higher Hyde Heath nature reserve

David Smith

Old Boundary Marker on Bloxworth Heath, Bloxworth parish

Parish Boundary Marker in parish of Bloxworth (Purbeck District), Bloxworth Heath, 30m Southwest of forestry road overlooking wet grassland, on patch of dry heathland. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO_BLXEST01pb

Milestone Society