Hetton Bogs is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)^[1][2] within the Sunderland district of Tyne and Wear, England. It is located 1 km (0.62 mi) north of the town of Hetton-le-Hole. This area is protected because of the diversity of plant species present within fen habitat.

The fen habitat receives water from two streams: Hetton Burn and Rainton Burn. These provide base-rich waters from the escarpment composed of Magnesian Limestone.

Biology

Plant species within the fen habitat include great hairy willow-herb, marsh willow-herb, marsh marigold, marsh thistle, square-stemmed St John's-wort, ragged robin, watermint, water forget-me-not, marsh valerian, meadowsweet, wild angelica, sneezewort, lesser spearwort, pennywort, northern marsh-orchid, spotted orchid, marsh arrowgrass, water plantain, branched bur-reed, water crowfoot and floating lesser duckweed.^[1]

In Hetton Houses Wood, under downy birch, herbaceous plants include bluebell, red campion, wood sanicle, marsh ragwort and water avens.^[1]

Water vole has been recorded within Hetton Bogs SSSI.

Land ownership

All land within Hetton Bogs SSSI is owned by the local authority.^[3]

References

54°49′48″N 1°27′54″W / 54.83000°N 1.46500°W / 54.83000; -1.46500