Black Lake

Black Lake is a small pool and associated bog lying in a natural depression. The reserve shows a good example of early 'schwingmoor' or floating bog development.

Location
Black Lake lies within Delamere Forest, to the south of the Chester to Manchester Railway (O.S. Grid Ref.: SJ537709).

Access
The reserve may be reached by walking southwards from the unclassified road running through Delamere Forest from the Hatchmere Crossroads to Ashton and Mouldsworth. There are several tracks which run south from this road, though for ease of car aprking it is advised that cars are left at Barnesbridge Gates Car Park (SJ542716), and then you follow the Sandstone Trail south taking the second forestry road on the right. Shortly after crossing the railway this road passes close to Black Lake. Access can also be gained via the Foresty Commission Interpretative Centre and County Council Car Park and Picnic Area at Linmere, using Forest paths.

The reserve is open to Trust members at all times. Members are requested to keep to the margin of the reserve, as the Sphagnum raft which covers a large part of the lake is very delicate. Members are warned that underlying the raft there is a fair depth of water.

Status
The reserve is managed by Cheshire Wildlife Trust on an agreement with the Forestry Commission. It is classified as a SSSI, and covers approximately 1 acre (0.4ha).

Topography
Maps from the nineteenth century show the area as open water, and it appears that the water level has been artificially raised at some time by the construction of a dam at the western end.

Flora
Three vegetational zones can be identified proceeding outwards from the centre of the reserve.
1. A partially submerged floating lawn consisting of cotton grass Eriphorum angustifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum, S. recurvum and the liverwort Cladopodiella fluitans.
2. A floating lawn, rising a few centimetres above the water level, containing cotton grass, cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccus, Sphagnum recurvum and the liverwort Cephalosia macrostachya.
3. A humocky floating carpet, rising up to 45 centimetres above water level, consisting of cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix, cranberry, Polytrichum commune, Spagnum recurvum and the liverworts Lepidozia setacea and Mylia anomala.
It is assumed that these three zones represent various transitional stages from open water to dry peat moss.
On the margins of the reserve there are several pools which contain sedge Carex curta. In places, young pine trees have established themselves on the Sphagnum raft, but these tend to grow only to a certain size before succumbing to water-logging.

Fauna
A variety of insects and spiders add to the interest, and the surrounding area of Delamere Forest is rich in woodland birds.