Cranberry Rough - The conservation of a wetland

 

Cranberry Rough provides a wide range of wetland habitats, including swamp woodland, tall reed fen, a network of dykes and pools and areas of damp grassland and fen. These in turn support an exceptionally rich diversity of wetland plants, insects and birds. Over 60 species of spiders have been found here.

This wetland site was formerly a lake known as Hockham Mere. It is now a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest'.

What can you see?

Tall Fen

In the open areas to the east of the site and along the open dykes, many species of reed and sedge grow, including the nationally rare Narrow Small-reed. Reed and Sedge Warblers make their nests here.

Dykes

On the open waters of the dykes, look out for Little Grebe, and waterfowl such as Shoveler, Gadwall and Tufted Duck all known to breed here.
In summer, dragonflies, damselflies and the beautiful White Admiral butterfly are here in abundance.

Grassland

On the driest margins of the site the fen vegetation gives way to Soft Rush and tussocky grasses, with Meadowsweet, Milk Parsley and Purple Loosestrife. In June Southern Marsh Orchid may be found here too.

Alder Carr

Beneath the invading alders and willows, carpets of Sphagnum moss remain amongst the pools. Cranberry, Royal Fern and Cotton-Grass are found here. This is the only Breckland site for Royal Fern and Cranberry.

A special site

This site is special because of the pollen and plant remains preserved in the peat below.
These tell us about past climate and the changing vegetation of the Breckland area.

Microscopic tree pollen found in peat beds

Alder	Birch	Elm	Hazel	Oak	Pine

Future Management

Plans are being drawn up to maintain the water levels in this area, both to conserve the wetland habitats and to preserve the pollen records that lie in the peat beneath.

Illustrations by Beverly Curl.