Goss Moor NNR is situated in a broad relatively flat, valley basin which forms the headwaters of the River Fal.
The reserve is a unique combination of wetland habitats and more characteristic western dry heath communities.
The site's wetland habitats - including fen meadow, bog, wet heath and open water - are a result of extensive mining operations that have been carried out in the area. Alluvial tin deposits have been mined locally since the Bronze Age, but the site has been most influenced by gravel extraction that ceased in 1960.
Areas of heath on the site support heather and bell heather with bristle bent and purple moor grass, while wetter areas support lesser butterfly orchid, hemlock water dropwort and the scarce yellow centaury. More acidic areas are home to bog plants like heath spotted orchid, marsh St John's wort and the scarce marsh clubmoss.
Breeding birds on the site include nightjar, reed bunting, linnet, spotted flycatcher, bullfinch and song thrush. Winter visitors include hen harrier, great grey shrike and hobby.
A number of scarce invertebrates are found at the site: the small red and variable damselfly; butterflies such as the silver-studded blue, marsh and small pearl bordered fritillary; and moths such as the narrow-bordered bee hawk and double line.
The best time to visit the site is between the months of May and August, for dragonflies, flowers and heathland.
Goss Moor Trail
The 7 mile circular multi-use trail is a new safe, free route providing a chance to explore the rich natural and industrial heritage of Goss Moor National Nature Reserve. There is an introductory flyer and an information guide for this trail.
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