Askham Bog was under threat from developers, (Barwood), that had applied to build 500 houses on adjoining land. However, the Secretary of State has recently ruled that the development cannot go ahead so the reserve, owned and maintained by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, is safe and available for everyone to enjoy.
The bog occupies a ancient lake that was excavated by glaciers 15000 years ago and is now home to butterflies, deer, and many rare plants including the gingerbread sedge and orchids.
After 6 weeks of dry weather the ground around the boardwalk has dried out and I ventured off piste to explore that wetland that is usually inaccessible. It is too early in the year for many of the flowers and fauna to be in bloom but I really enjoyed wandering around the bog and investigating the environment I don’t normally see.
