Lindow Moss
Sitting in the heart of Wilmslow, Lindow Moss is one of the largest lowland peatlands in Cheshire and is a home to habitats including a large area of peat bog mixed with wet heath, fen, oak-birch woodland, open water pools and ditches. In 1984 an almost intact Iron Age bog body was found on Lindow Moss, and was named Lindow Man. The Lindow Man is now on display in the British Museum.
The History
The landscape of this area is largely a product of the ice age, where it is estimated that Lindow would have been covered by an ice sheet around 270m thick. After the ice age, the area became marshy and peat started to form approximately 8,600 years ago. Peat cutting at Lindow Moss became commercial in the 1950s when peat was used for mushroom growing and horticulture. You can learn more about this in this short film about Lindow Moss on YouTube.
Lindow Man
The torso and head of the Lindow Man was found in 1984, during peat-cutting on Lindow Moss. A separate leg, found nearby may be part of the same body, severed by the peat-cutting machinery. A human skull and parts of a headless body were also found on separate occasions.
See image below – credit: Manchester Museum
Lindow Man’s Life
- About 25 years old, 1.7m (5ft 6ins) tall and weighed 60-65kg (9.5-10st)
- Had done very little hard, manual work, because his fingernails were well manicured
- His beard and moustache had been cut by a pair of shears
- His last meal probably included unleavened bread made from wheat and barley, cooked over a fire on which heather had been burnt
Source: British Museum
Who is Working On The Project – community groups
The Lindow Moss Landscape Partnership consists of Wilmslow Town Council, Transition Wilmslow, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork Cheshire Lancashire & Merseyside, Cheshire East Council, Natural England, Friends of Lindow Moss and Mersey Rivers Trust
The Lindow Moss Landscape Partnership has developed a 10-year plan, that outlines the actions it believes are needed to achieve the vision of a ‘landscape in recovery – for nature, for the climate and for our citizens.’
You can read more about the plan here – Lindow-Moss-Prospectus-14.11.23.pdf (wilmslowtowncouncil.gov.uk)
More information
Walks
There are two walking trails around Lindow Moss. A shorter 3.5 mile walk, and a longer 7 mile walk. The details of each can be found here – Lindow Moss Heritage Trail | Discover Lindow
Volunteering
There are several events and volunteering opportunities happening on Lindow Moss throughout the year, and you can find them here Discover Lindow | Whats On.
Accessibility
Lindow Moss covers the cut over bog and the wider area. Whilst the terrain varies from soft peat to woodchip paths to paved footpaths, the site is not accessible to wheelchairs, and even the most ruggedly built pram would struggle. As the land gets very wet, sensible footwear is advised and wellies / walking boots are recommended all year round.
Facilities
Car Parking
There are quite a few car parks dotted around Lindow Moss, however the main one is Lindow Common (Racecourse Road, Wilmslow SK9 5LW). When visiting, we ask that you stick to designated car parks so not to as disturb local residents.
Toilets
There are no toilets on Lindow Moss.
Food and Drink
Wilmslow is home to lots of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and supermarkets. However, there are no shops on site.
Contact Us
If you’d like to get in touch with one of the Groundwork team, please contact us on: Lindow@groundwork.org.uk
There is a Friends of Lindow Moss group that was established in February 2024. The group are all volunteers and work tirelessly to ensure that Lindow Moss can be enjoyed for years to come. You can join the Friends of Lindow Moss mailing list here – Discover Lindow | Lindow Moss
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