Biodiversity Newsletter

Bogs are important sites for wildlife.  They are unique habitats that support a fascinating variety of birds, invertebrates and plants, such as the carnivorous sundew and the pretty bog rosemary.   Bogs are made up of peat, which is partially decomposed plant debris, such as trees, shrubs, herbs, sedges, grasses and mosses.  Peat forms in cool, waterlogged conditions, the lack of oxygen and low temperatures limit the rate at which the plants decompose.

Peat bogs contribute to the welfare of all living things by 'locking up' carbon that would otherwise increase the greenhouse effect.  Carbon, removed from the atmosphere over thousands of years, is released when bogs are damaged.   Some people describe peat bogs as the lungs of our environment.

The importance of bogs has been recognised by the European Union, which has identified a number of bogs as priority habitats for conservation under the Habitats and Species Directive.

Bogs are an important resource in North Lanarkshire and this has been identified in the North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan.

In terms of the extent of all lowland bog, North Lanarkshire has approximately 3724ha, which represents 10% of all lowland bog cover in Scotland and 4.6% of all such cover in Great Britain.  For a district that represents 0.2% of the total land area of Great Britain, North Lanarkshire therefore supports a significant area of the remaining and best bog resource in Scotland and UK.

Seven bogs are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and some have the additional cSACs designation (candidate Special Areas of Conservation – a European designation).

Many bogs in North Lanarkshire are situated adjacent to communities.  This allows an opportunity for partnership working with the public.  Over the last few years there have been a number of projects in North Lanarkshire to engage, educate and involve local communities in the conservation and enhancement of their local bog.  An important aspect of this work has been to create and encourage access to the areas through path networks, so communities can enjoy and directly benefit from the green space.  The hope is that in the long term these communities will evolve a sense of ownership and pride in their local green space, and that this will in turn reduce acts of vandalism such as burning.

Bog action so far in 2006

Salsburgh Moss - phase II of restoration has just completed with re-wetting of two extensive areas following removal of a mixed plantation.  Grant aid is required for Phase III to rewet a further five areas.  Seeding with sphagna, sundew and cranberry is planned for the summer of 2006.  An educational programme to reduce wildfire is also proposed.

Abronhill Moss - a pond has been created on rough grassland by the moss to attract dragonflies, tree and self-seeded sapling removal will take place during summer 2006.  Species augmentation is also planned.

Heathfield Moss - two further colonies of bog rosemary have been located on this moss, bringing the known number of populations in our area to three.

How can you help to protect peat bogs?

• Don't buy peat in any form
  
• Peat-free "multi-purpose composts" include coir-based mixtures, but ask your garden centre for advice.  Also, avoid buying container-grown plants in a peat-based medium.  Always ask when buying; outlets will respond to consumer pressure.
  
• Compost!  Make your own It is free and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill sites.
  
• Using peat is unnecessary, as there are now successful alternatives for use by both amateur gardeners and commercial horticulturists. Gardening without peat helps to make better use of waste organic materials while helping to conserve what is left of the unique and valuable habitat of the peatbogs.