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8). Carsegowan Moss Status: SSSI Access: Open Facilities: Car park Map Reference: 78-NX 795 930 |
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Carsegowan moss is a remnant of a once extensive series of raised bogs which formed on estuarine clays deposited along the Solway. Raised bogs usually lie over a depression in the underlying clay, fed entirely by rain water the vegetation sits on Sphagnum peat which acts like a giant sponge holding a huge amount of water. The peat is thickest in the centre of the bog giving it a characteristic domed appearance. Raised bogs are now rare within Britain, they are very susceptible to water loss and most have been drained and converted to arable land or have disappeared under conifer plantations. |
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Carsegowan may have survived largely intact, but it has not totally escaped human interference. The moss has long been cut for peat, partially drained and periodically burnt, the fringes of the drying bog are also being invaded by Birch and Conifers from surrounding plantations, all of which have seriously affected its natural vegetation. Another species poor, but rare and threatened wetland habitat, the surviving bog is blanketed by Sphagnum Mosses and Heather amongst which Lichens, Bog Asphodel, Cranberry and Sundews can be found. In summer Adders are common amongst the Heather, Roe Deer are frequent visitors and the open terrain is good hunting territory for Hen Harriers, Merlin, Barn and Short-eared Owls. |
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Photos: D. Heward |
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