At Marsden, the National Trust cares for 5,685 acres (2,300 hectares) of unenclosed moorland.

The open moorland may look rather barren, bleak and inhospitable but it harbours a vast diversity of birds, insects, plants and mammals.

Some of the more easily observed plants include the Heather and Cotton-grass, or if you listen carefully you may hear the Golden Plover and Grouse calling. Classic moorland birds such as Golden Plover, Grouse, Curlew and the diminutive Twite breed here in such high numbers that the Marsden Moor Estate is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Conservation
For five thousand years peat has been forming below a thin layer of grasses, sedges, rushes and mosses.

This vegetation cover can easily be damaged by overgrazing or completely removed by fire and then the peat is exposed. This bare peat is quickly eroded and will not regenerate without help.

Fences have been erected around sensitive areas to exclude grazing animals. Then heather brash or seed is spread on the bare peat. You are welcome to enter these fenced areas at the stiles provided and see for yourself the progress of the revegetation.