BG2E Calluna vulgaris – Eriophorum spp. bog
Vegetation
This is quite a heathy bog community with a dwarf shrub layer dominated by Calluna vulgaris alongside which grow some stems of Erica tetralix. Tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum are a constant feature, as are tufts of Eriophorum angustifolium and Trichophorum cespitosum/germanicum. Frequent companions are Potentilla erecta and Molinia caerulea. Beneath all this, in the bryophyte layer, hummocks of Sphagnum capillifolium are found together with pale green patches of Hypnum jutlandicum. Sphagnum papillosum and threads of Odontoschisma sphagni are frequent.
Ecology
This is mainly a community of deep, ombrogenous, oligotrophic, wet and acidic peat soils in the uplands although there are a few records from raised bogs. Mean altitude = 396 m, n = 66; mean slope = 4.3°, n = 63; mean extent of bare peat = 3.3%, n = 75.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
The Calluna vulgaris – Eriophorum spp. bog may be viewed as intermediate between two other upland blanket bog communities, the HE3F Calluna vulgaris – Eriophorum vaginatum bog and the BG2F Trichophorum cespitosum/germanicum – Eriophorum angustifolium peatland. Trichophorum is less frequent in HE3F and pleurocarpous mosses are much more prevalent, whilst in BG2F, Eriophorum vaginatum is only occasional.
Conservation value
Most examples of this habitat will qualify as EU HD Annex I habitat 7130 Blanket bog (active)*, a few may correspond with habitat 7110 Raised bog (active)*. This is on average a moderately species-rich bog community (species/4 m2 = 17.1, n = 85).
Management
In the uplands, these bogs are typically used as rough grazing land for sheep and often occur within commonages. The main threats are overgrazing, erosion, burning and afforestation. Turf-cutting and drainage may also occur on deeper peats.