Munsley Bog

Munsley Bog is a small wetland site and a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC) with very high historic nature conservation value much declined in recent years through lack of management. The site is split into 3 ownerships only one of which is publicly accessible: a plot owned by Godshill Parish Council. This part has been managed by Gift to Nature.

Munsley Bog has the most fantastic stories to tell. Not just the usual about the wetland wildlife, birds of prey etc, but something even more amazing! In the 1970’s pollen cores were taken here and the information yielded has helped our understanding of how the Island’s landscape and land-use has changed from the Late Mesolithic to the early 20th Century.

What to look and listen for …

This is one of the few sites on the Isle of Wight where you will find typical bog habitat, supporting plants like bog myrtle, cross–leaved heath, heath spotted orchid and marsh pennywort. We are also looking for signs of sundew and cotton grass here – both used to be present but had disappeared.

The two main species of trees here are oak and willow. Look out for the small watercourse, which boarders the east edge of this site. It is a tributary of the East Yar River. There is a change of vegetation at the centre of the bog, this is where a spring is, and there are water-loving plants where it flows. Watch the seeds fly from the sausage-like heads of Great Reedmace, sometimes called ‘bulrush’. You might spot the torpedo-shaped privet hawk-moth.

Listen to the rooks, which nest in the oak trees at the edge of the bog. Hear the wind in the willows, and the rushes. Because of the close proximity to the village, you will hear a lot of garden birds.

… and smell and touch

Say hello to the troll! You can feel his carved features if you dare…

If you can, kneel down on the board walk and look at the intricate plant and insect communities that live in the bog. These vary depending on how wet the bog is. 

Most of the year the bracken will tickle your ankles as you cross the boardwalk. We do try and keep it in check, and the bog is cut and raked once a year.

Nature at home and activities on site

We have produced a super Colouring Sheet for you to download and complete at home. We have also produced an I Spy Sheet and Map for you to print at home, or download to your phone and take to the site. Become a Bug Bunch Ranger or listen to the 1st Rookley and Godshill Beavers tell the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff while searching for the troll. All these activities and resources can be found here.

Our interpretation board on site includes a sensory trail to help you get the most from your visit.

Managing the site

The bog is managed in sections, the area owned by Godshill Parish Council who kindly contribute towards management costs.  is visited annually and we work to maintain the open species-rich wetland which produces sheets of orchids in the summer.

We are working with Natural England to improve the condition of the bog. We have cleared willow and scrub from the side of the stream, and also removed an oak from the middle of the bog. We have also enlarged some of the ditches and depressions within the bog. The aim is to make the bog wetter.

How to get there

On foot and bike –  The bog is a short walk from the end of May Close, Godshill along footpath GL25. This can be muddy, and we are not the landowner. There are no cycle racks.

By bus – Dubbers or Yarborough Close stop (Routes 2/3). (Bus Timetables)

By car – On street parking is available in surrounding streets. Please park considerately. PO38 3HB for your sat nav.

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Access

Access is via grass paths and a boardwalk. There are steps to the boardwalk on one side of the bog, and at the other side the stile is not passable for people with dogs. The nearest public toilets are in the main car park in the village of Godshill (PO38 3JD)  what3words ///totals.paintings.divisions. These are about 10 minutes flat walk away along the roads, be careful of traffic. There are many refreshment choices within Godshill village.

We have written an Access Statement for this site. This includes mobility and sensory issues and opportunities. We welcome feedback from users.

Get Involved

There are various ways you can help improve and maintain our sites. We rely on volunteers to help with many tasks on our sites and also need people who are happy to regular visit the site be our “eyes and ears”, this means we can respond much quicker to issues. Our shop raises money to support our work and needs a team of volunteers. Or maybe you would like to help us with events. Find out more here.

You can also help by becoming one of our regular supporters. Even giving a few pounds each month can make a real difference, with your donation being invested into site management and improvement work to benefit site visitors and look after our precious wildlife. Sign up here.