The Moor

After the last ice age, upland moors formed in northern and central Europe in places where water surplus slows the decomposition of plant material. Whether in the North or South, an upland moor perches on the landscape like a slightly arched watchglass with trees around the edge, and a black pool – the bog pond – somewhere in the middle. Nature holds many surprises in a moor: It seems as if some of the most bizarre and colourful members of our native species live in bogs, including animal-eating plants and mushrooms that suck the life out of plants. The rutting dance of the Great snipes and the hatching of a great crane chick are just a few of the miracles happening in a moor every season. Amazing discoveries are to be made here. It is a colourful community of creatures, a habitat with many faces. The vegetation acts as a sponge, soaking up all surplus water. The small silver heads of cotton grass emerge from brown blades. Adder snakes engage in turf wars. Plants envelop, then digest small insects. These are just some of many wonders that can be discovered deep inside a moor.