This shot shows part of - Red Moss, a 47.2 hectare (116.6 acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which was designated by English Nature in 1995 because of its biological interest. Red Moss is the best example of lowland raised mire in Greater Manchester and is one of 21 SSSIs in the area. I think the haze is created by the watery ground being warmed by the sun.