Blanket bog

This habitat comprises the rain-fed (ombrotrophic) main surfaces of blanket bog complexes (EUNIS-type X28) typical of thick peat, more than 1m deep and commonly 2-4m, on flat, gently sloping or undulating terrain in an Atlantic to Subatlantic climate where there is high and quite consistent precipitation (minimum of 1200 mm and 160 days of rain). It is most extensive in the Inited Kingdom, Ireland, the British Isles and along the west-coast of Norway. Blanket bogs are predominantly treeless and the mire surface usually has less distinct surface patterning than D1.1 Raised bogs. However, irregular alternation of small pools, hollows and hummocks with distinct species assemblages can occur and blanket bogs can bear some resemblance to raised bogs especially on flat terrain. The peat-building element of the habitat is Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagna with Sphagnum capillifolium, S. magellanicum and S. fuscum typical and often forming extensive carpets over undulating terrain. Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea, Empetrum nigrum and Erica tetralix provide a sub-shrub element on drier hummocks with large hypnoid mosses and Racomitrium lanuginosum.  In flat areas, wet surface types become more characteristic with abundance of S. papillosum, S. tenellum, S. compactum, S. magellanicum, S. rubellum and S. imbricatum, accompanied by Narthecium ossifragum, Trichophorum cespitosum and Eriophorum angustifolium. Low-altitude Atlantic blanket bogs are characterized by abundance of Molinia caerulea, Trichophorum cespitosum and, in the extreme west where there is a strongly oceanic climate, even Schoenus nigricans. 

Indicators of quality:

• upper layers of peat kept permanenlt wet by rain
• Sphagnum carpet extensive
• absence of artificial ditches or gullies or signs of burning
• no indications of erosion or drying
• absence of trees
• absence of alien species like Rhododendron

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats