Via http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature_reserves/where_to_find_th...

Loggan's Moor Nature Reserve

This is a species-rich meadow with abundant wild flowers, underlain by calcareous sand with areas of reedbed and grassland, just on the edge of Hayle. It owes its amazing diversity to the sandy soil and natural springs feeding wet areas, combined with the long unbroken use for grazing.

Habitat type: Meadow, sand dune, reedbed and marshy grassland
Size of reserve: 11 hectares / 26 acres
OS map number: 102
Grid reference: SW 576 389
Best time to visit: Spring and summer

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Directions
The entrance is from a lay-by on the right of the B3301, 2 miles (3 km) north east of Hayle.

Access
There are no footpaths, but parking is available in a lay-by close to the reserve. The site can be muddy when wet.

Characteristic wildlife of this reserve
The early marsh orchid has a unique and very distinctively shaped lip, with sides bent backwards so that, face on, it looks very narrow. The dense spike of 20 to 30 flowers are variable in colour and the main leaves, which sprout from the base stand erect and are sword-shaped. This orchid is usually found where the soil water is alkaline.

The five-spot burnet is a rather striking day flying moth, coloured black with red spots. The colours warn birds and other predators that they are distasteful. The larvae of this insect feed upon greater bird’s foot trefoil and construct cocoons in prominent positions high on plant stems.

The yellow flag iris is widespread in wetter parts of the moor. The sharp edged, sword-like leaves grow from stout rhizomes. The flowers have three large, yellow, purple-veined petals and bees have to crawl right inside to reach the nectar. After flowering, large green capsules develop, each containing numerous brown seeds.

Another common wetland plant is the marsh marigold, also known as kingcup. This starts flowering as early as March and continues well into the summer. The bright golden-yellow blooms are carried amid dark green, shiny, heart shaped leaves and may be up to five centimetres across, with as many as 100 stamens. They are a valuable early source of nectar for insects.

Other information
Loggan's Moor lies close to Upton Towans nature reserve.

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