Threats to blanket bog

Only limited information on the scale of loss of blanket bogs in the UK are available. However, it has been estimated that between 1950 and 1980, 21% of blanket bogs in Scotland were lost, with 51% of this loss due to afforestation. On the Berwyn SAC included within the LIFE project, moorland areas dominated by heather declined 43% between 1946- 1984, with afforestation accounting for 14% of this loss, and other factors the remaining 30%.

Blanket bogs in the UK are currently under threat from:

Forestry- Although afforestation of blanket bogs in the UK generally no longer takes place following the recognition of the habitat's global importance, the effects of historic tree planting are still a threat. Changes in hydrology, plant species composition, and nutrient levels may all significantly impact blanket bogs.

Over-grazing - Large numbers of grazing animals (generally sheep in the project areas) may result in the loss of key plant species. Supplemental feeding of livestock or application of fertilizers to improve grazing, may also result in artificially high nutrient levels in some areas.

Drainage - Drains have been used to improve grazing quality across large areas of blanket bog. These result in lower water tables, even where drains are not maintained, and loss of blanket bog vegetation. Although largely historic, small numbers of new ditches are still dug, and older ditches cleared.

Burning - Areas of blanket bog may have been burnt in an attempt to improve grazing, or encourage heather regeneration and increase numbers of red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. This may result in the loss of key plant species, breakdown of peat structure, or increased erosion.

Encroachment by Rhododendron and Sitka Spruce - The spread of Rhododendron and Sitka Spruce (two alien plant species) from gardens and forestry plantations respectively onto areas of blanket bog results in a change the species composition, habitat structure, and hydrology of the area.

Climate Change - The drier summers predicted as a consequence of global warming may have a profound impact on blanket bogs through a lowering of the water table, drying of peat, and loss of peat forming plant species.

Pollution - Some areas including the Berwyn SAC, are under threat from sulphate and nitrate deposition. These pollutants may result in changes in plant species composition, die-off of key plant species, or reduce their ability to cope with other stresses such as summer drought events, over grazing, etc.</p></p><p><p>Peat Extraction - Although not a significant issue in the LIFE project area since the 1930s, both domestic peat cutting and commercial extraction of peat can have significant detrimental impacts upon blanket bogs, for example Fenn's, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses NNR.

Recreation - Popular walking routes may result in localised habitat loss through trampling or ultimately erosion. Although not necessarily resulting in direct habitat loss, relatively low levels of disturbance may result in the loss of key species. The use of all terrain vehicles or mountain bikes may also result in direct damage to blanket bogs.

Development - A wide range of developments and their associated infrastructure may result in direct or indirect loss of blanket bogs. These developments include: communication masts, wind farms, hydroelectric schemes and roads.

Erosion - Erosion may result from many of the activities listed above, and can result in direct loss of blanket bog. In the LIFE project area, erosion does not appear to be as large an issue as sites like the Peak District National Park, England, the Moors for the Future project area.