During September I was involved in the survey of a selection of raised bogs in Counties Roscommon, Cavan and Longford. The aim of the survey was to determine whether active raised bog occurred on any of thse sites. The survey was undertaken as part of the Scientific Basis for Raised Bog Conservation in Ireland project being undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Survey results will be published over the next few months.
Surface view across the central ecotope community on bog in County Roscommon. Sphagnum cuspidatum is the dominant species in the foreground.
Surface view across the central ecotope community on bog in County Roscommon. Sphagnum cuspidatum with scattered Sphagnum pulchrum is the dominant species in the foreground. A small wooded flush can be seen in the middle distance.
Long strands (20 cm and more) of the lichen Usnea articulata growing on dwarf birch trees in the wooded flush.
Bog Cranberry, Vaccinium oxycoccus growing on a large Sphagnum capillifolium hummock in the wooded flush.