BG2D Erica tetralix – Schoenus nigricans bog
Vegetation
The bulk of the field layer in this rather diverse community is composed of a mixture of Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium and Schoenus nigricans. Other vascular plant constants are Erica tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Potentilla erecta, Trichophorum cespitosum/germanicum and Rhynchospora alba. There is good cover of Sphagnum species in the bryophyte layer with Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum tenellum and Sphagnum papillosum all being constants, alongside Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hypnum jutlandicum and Pleurozia purpurea. Lichens are also characteristic of this vegetation with Cladonia uncialis and Cladonia portentosa usually found here.
Ecology
This is a community of lowland blanket bogs (mean altitude = 180 m, n = 51; mean slope = 3.1°, n = 49) occurring on deep, acidic and wet peat soils of poor fertility (mean extent of bare peat = 3.3%, n = 89).
Sub-communities
No sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
Schoenus nigricans is a constant species in two other communities. The BG1C Schoenus nigricans – Eriophorum angustifolium bog community differs in being somewhat degraded with a sparser field layer and significantly less Sphagnum. In the HE4C Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans – Calluna vulgaris peatland, the first two titular species dominate the field layer.
Conservation value
This is a species-rich bog community (species/4 m2 = 21.4, n = 90), which corresponds closely with EU HD Annex I habitat 7130 Blanket bog (active)*.
Management
These bogs are often used for turf-cutting, either by hand or machine. They may also be used as rough grazing land, typically for sheep, which can lead to overgrazing. The other main threats are erosion, burning and afforestation.