Blanket Bog

Blanket bog is a special habitat that has developed where cold wet climatic conditions have caused waterlogging resulting in the rapid accumulation of plant remains (largely sphagnum mosses) which develop into deep peat.

It is one of the most extensive semi-natural habitats in the UK, which supports about 10-15% of the global resource.

A few rare bog plants are found in the Peak District including Labrador tea and bog rosemary.  Cloudberry, a characteristic bog species, is at the edge of its range here (ie. on the boundary of the climate range that the plant will grow in).  Its name reflects the shape of its berries, as shown in the photo here.

Wet flushes on the moorland bog margins may support species like bog asphodel, sundew and cranberry. These wet areas are a vital source of insects for the significant moorland bird population.

Moorland streams are important for water voles, whilst dunlin breed around the bog pools.

Cottongrass Moorland

Cottongrass occurs in wet areas where the peat is generally of a depth of greater than 70cm.  The plant can grow here because its roots have adapted to cope with waterlogging.

For more information about plant adaptations, click here.

The cottony seed heads seen here were used as wound dressings in the First World War, but the fibres are too short to be used commercially today.

A large expanse of cottongrass moor looks very appealing in the summer when the mass of white down carpets the land.

For more information on how organisations are working together through the Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan to look after blanket bog click here.