Brown Moss of breeding birds at the site and many visitors, including wetland birds, such as Canada goose, mallard and great crested grebe. During the summer, froglets and dragonflies are found around water and woodland edges. Brown Moss is a flat site that was created at the end of the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago. As glaciers retreated, pools were formed by the stranded ice rocks, forming kettle holes Peat is still being created and Sphagnum moss – which is very important for the creation of peat – is found in abundance. This site contains a number of circular walks
Sphagnum taken during the harvesting of "Sphagnum" to ensure enough moss is remaining to allow regrowth. An 8-year cycle is suggested, but some sites require a longer cycle of 11 to 32 years for full recovery of biomass, depending on factors including whether reseeding is done, light intensity, and the water table. This "farming" is based on a sustainable management program approved by New Zealand's Department of Conservation; it ensures the regeneration of the moss, while protecting the wildlife and the environment. Most harvesting in New Zealand swamps is done only using pitchforks without the use of heavy machinery. During transportation,