We're lucky enough to have large expanses of blanket bog on our reserves, however there have been dramatic declines in this habitat type, with an estimated loss of 21% in Scotland between 1950 and 1980 alone, mainly thanks to change in land use, land drainage, agriculture and erosion. These habitats are found in cool, wet climates and is the basis of the formation of peat; the bogs can be 95-98% water so it's the sort of place you really need your wellies.
All that water and the high pH found means the plants found have some pretty interesting adaptations to survive in the low nutrients conditions. As a result they've cashed in on the abundance of insects and become carnivorous. Last week was a particularly good one for marsh fritillary butterflies, which also happen to love our boggy moors, and with those and the plants is fine fettle it was a perfect excuse to take lots of snaps.
Round-leaved sundew
Lesser butterfly orchid
Four-spotted chaser
Marsh fritillary