Blanket Bog Restoration Research
Blanket bog habitat is a globally restricted 'tundra type' ecosystem confined to cool, wet, typically oceanic climates. The habitat has very high conservation value due to its rarity and fragility and supports unique assemblages of flora and fauna. It also provides valuable ecological functions as a carbon sink and acts to slow down the rate of rainfall run-off into catchments which might otherwise flood downstream. However, blanket bog habitats were often drained and planted with non-native conifer plantation in the 1960's, 70's and 80's – causing substantial damage to this globally important habitat.
As a result of the relatively recent increase in importance of blanket bog habitats, and increased effort to restore previously afforested blanket bog where possible, the demand for information on efficient and effective restoration techniques is high. Furthermore, the impact of brash (the remnants of felling) on the rates of re-establishment of blanket bog vegetation has been noted as a high priority for research (Blanket Bog Habitat Action Plan).
An objective of the Cruach Mhor, BlackLaw and Whitelee Habitat Management Plans was to clear a large area of commercial conifer plantation with the objective of restoring heathland and blanket bog habitat for the benefit of upland breeding and wintering birds. Timber was felled using a variety of techniques suited to the ground conditions and size of trees present.
A consequence of these harvesting methodologies is that the 'brash' will remain on site to naturally decompose. ScottishPower Renewables have taken advantage of the large-scale commercial plantation clearance at Cruach Mhor, Black Law and Whitelee to initiate research into the impacts of different harvesting methodologies on blanket bog restoration.
The research is in accordance with recommendations made by the UK Habitat Action Plan for blanket bog and will be beneficial to other developments on similar sites as well as comparable conservation projects throughout the United Kingdom.