HE4C Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans – Calluna vulgaris peatland


  • Heaths (HE)
  • HE4 Molinia caerulea – Polygala serpyllifolia group
  • HE4C Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans – Calluna vulgaris peatland
Scientific name:
Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans – Calluna vulgaris peatland
Common name:
Purple Moor-grass – Black Bog-rush – Heather peatland
Community code:
HE4C
Full PDF Synopsis
HE4C map: Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans bog/heath
HE4C: Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans bog/heath
HE4C: Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans bog/heath

HE4C Molinia caerulea – Schoenus nigricans – Calluna vulgaris peatland

Vegetation

This assemblage is dominated by a mixture of Schoenus nigricans and Molinia caerulea which lend it a grassy and tussocky appearance. Dwarf shrub cover is low although both Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix are constants here, as is Potentilla erecta. Frequent species in the field layer comprise Eriophorum angustifolium, Polygala serpyllifolia, Narthecium ossifragum and Drosera rotundifolia. The bryophyte layer is somewhat sparse with the following species frequent but none constant: Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hypnum jutlandicum, Odontoschisma sphagni and the vermicular Pleurozia purpurea. Sphagna species are each only occasional.

Ecology

This is a community of lowland blanket bogs and wet heaths on the lower slopes of hills and mountains (mean altitude = 153 m, n = 81; mean slope = 9.2°, n = 67). Soils are wet, acidic and infertile ombrogeneous peats (mean extent of bare peat = 6.4%, n = 122).

Sub-communities

Two sub-communities are described. The Myrica gale – Sphagnum papillosum sub-community (HE4Ci) occurs in flushed or boggy situations and has a higher frequency of Sphagnum species than the Racomitrium lanuginosum – Pleurozia purpurea sub-community (HE4Cii) where Cladonia species are more prevalent.

Similar communities

The BG1C Schoenus nigricans – Eriophorum angustifolium bog is a rather degraded Schoenus bog with lower overall plant cover than HE4C. The BG2D Erica tetralix – Schoenus nigricans bog is more diverse than HE4C with less dominance of Schoenus and Molinia. In both those other communities, Rhynchospora alba is a constant, unlike in HE4C, which is more heathy and less boggy in character.

Conservation value

This is on average a peatland community of medium species richness (species/4 m2 = 17.4 n = 148). Most examples will qualify as either EU HD Annex I habitat 4010 Wet heath or habitat 7130 Blanket bog (active)*.

Management

Where it occurs as heathland this community often forms parts of commonages and is usually used as rough grazing land (typically for sheep); overgrazing may be a problem. Burning may be periodically used across large areas to suppress the dwarf shrubs and encourage grass growth. Where it occurs as bog it is often used for turf-cutting, either by hand or machine. The other main threats are afforestation and agricultural improvement.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept