Askham Bog

Magnificent royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and spectacular displays of water violets are to be found in this mosaic of fen, woodland and meadow. Askham Bog is remarkable survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire. It occupies the site of an ancient lake, left behind by a retreating glacier 15,000 years ago. The edges of the Bog harbour the greatest diversity of plants and insects, including marsh orchids, marsh violet and meadow thistle. Birds are abundant, including woodcock, buzzard, willow and marsh tits, grasshopper and reed warblers. Roe deer and foxes are seen regularly and the pond is a great place to watch water voles.