Slop Bog
Slop Bog on the edge of Ferndown was once a peat bog. It is now home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Ownership & Managers
Slop Bog is owned by Dorset County Council and the Highways Agency. It is managed by the county council.
Site Description
Ferndown bypass forms the northern boundary, to the east is the slip road and bridge which encloses a small portion of the site. A drainage ditch form the boundary with houses to the south, more houses adjoin the west.
The site is flat with a slight slope to the north, some peat diggings, drainage ditches and banks. The north side of the site is wetter. After the peat cutting stopped water lilies were cultivated in the ditches until around 1970.
The site has good access for wheelchairs etc as there is a made up path and boardwalk there are also.
Designation
SSSI, LNR
Main Assets
Slop Bog boardwalk is a great place to view all kinds of freshwater invertebrates including dragonflies and damselflies. Common lizards can also be found basking around the edges of the boardwalk. Slow worms, adders and grass snakes can also found on site. Other interesting wildlife includes - silver studded blue butterflies, Dartford warbler, some rare sedges, marsh gentian and round leaf sundews.
There is an active "Friends" group called the Slop Bog Guardians. For further information about the group and their activities, click on the link to the right of this page.
