According to NatureScot lowland raised bogs like Moine Mhòr are some of the rarest and most threatened natural wildlife habitats in Europe, due to removal of peat, afforestation and reclamation of farmland.

[5] A 600 m nature trail has been constructed at the northern edge of the reserve; other visitor facilities include a car park and picnic area.

[6] The Moine Mhòr began to form after the last ice age some 10,000 years ago, as rising sea levels covered the area in impermeable marine clay.

The land began to rise as the glaciers melted due to post-glacial rebound, and a shallow estuary formed at the mouth of the River Add.

About 5,500 years ago sea levels fell further, and sphagnum mosses started to colonise the area, which was kept damp due to the impermeable clay.

Controlled burning of the unimproved sections of the bog continued, however the focus shifted from grazing to sporting interests, with the aim of encouraging red grouse for shooting parties.