Agden Bog

About Agden Bog Nature Reserve

Situated on the north west corner of Agden Reservoir in the beautiful Bradfield Dale, Agden Bog nature reserve is a classic example of a type of bog that has now mostly disappeared from our landscape following draining of the land for agriculture.

This nature reserve is most notable for its botanical interest, with vegetation varying from sphagnum beds, purple moor-grass dominated wet grassland, extensive bracken beds to birch woodland. The site is also good for spotting a number of mammals, including brown hare and roe deer.

Birds including nightjar, spotted flycatcher, willow warbler, bullfinch, siskin, lesser redpoll and common sandpiper have all been recorded nesting nearby.

Common toads, common frogs and common lizards also make the nature reserve their home alongside invertebrates such as the green tiger beetle and black millipede. Less common are golden-ringed dragonflies which breed on the mire and can sometimes be seen hawking over the site, or sunning on the tops of vegetation clumps.

A variety of butterfly species can be observed on the reserve and in the surrounding area including green veined white, small white, large white, orange tip, brimstone, large skipper, speckled wood, red admiral, peacock, ringlet, gatekeeper and meadow brown.

Since 2012 the site has been grazed by cattle to reduce the area of purple moor-grass and bracken that has become more widespread, which in turn will encourage the expansion of the sphagnum beds. Common butterwort once grew amongst these beds and it is hoped grazing may enable its return.

Thank You

Together with our members and volunteers we take care of 15 nature reserves, including Agden Bog, spanning almost 600 hectares, across Sheffield and Rotherham. These are places where you can enjoy nature and where our conservation work helps the wildlife you love to thrive.

Your donations make it possible for us to care for Agden Bog nature reserve. Thank you!

If you would like to get in touch about Agden Bog or any of our other reserves, please email us or call 0114 263 4335.