Types of Scottish bog vegetation

Summary

The main types of ombrotrophic mire vegetation in Scotland are described with reference to selected mire sites of national importance. The range of variation is controlled by two main environmental gradients, climate and altitude. In particular the degree of oceanicity is crucial, influencing both the vegetation and the hydro-morphology of individual mires. The framework described provided the basis for selection of 31 nationally important mire sites in Scotland identified in the Nature Conservation Review in 1977. Protection of these sites has been successful, except for two sites now afforested. Current threats to Scottish peatlands mainly relate to lowland raised mires.