Natural England - Dersingham Bog NNR

Dersingham Bog NNR

Dersingham Bog NNR is part of the Sandringham Royal Estate.

Desingham Bog NNR

County: Norfolk

Main habitats: Peatland, Lowland Heath

Area: 159 Ha

The reserve comprises three distinct habitats: mire, heath and woodland.

Acid valley mire is found over much of the low-lying parts of the reserve where the ground is waterlogged for most of the year.

The wet acid peat of the mire is characterised by rare plants, including bog asphodel, round-leaved sundew, cranberry and white-beaked sedge. Rare insects thrive here too, including dragonflies such as the black darter, and moths such as the light knot grass.

The mire lies on shallow peat and is bordered on one side by a steep escarpment - itself containing large areas of dry heath and woodland - which marks the edge of an ancient coastline.

The woodland at Dersingham is quite recent and contains Scots pine, oak, sweet chestnut, sycamore and birch. The woodland glades attract birds such as redpoll, crossbill, long-eared owl and sparrowhawk.

The best time to visit the reserve is between July and August.

Location and access

The reserve lies between the town of Dersingham and the village of Wolferton, two km west of Sandringham. The A149 forms the site's eastern boundary, and a disused railway line between Dersingham and Wolferton marks the reserve's western boundary.

By car, access is via minor roads from the A149 to Wolferton. There are two car parks offering access to the reserve, one near Wolferton.

The nearest train station is in King's Lynnexternal link, 10 km to the south west.

Regular bus services from King's Lynn to Sandringham and Dersingham are provided by First Groupexternal link.

Sandringham is on Route 1external link of the National Cycle Network.

Facilities

The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages. Additional facilities can be found at the Sandringham Estate visitor centreexternal link.

There is a circular walk connecting both the reserve car parks. There are information panels and signs, and leaflets are available on-site.

An easy access path suitable for disabled visitors leads from the Wolferton car park to a viewpoint.