The Bog Squad have just returned from helping to restore a lovely peat moss on Islay. This was a return trip to build on the work started last winter. On one side of the moss Rhododendron ponticum has invaded with dense pockets of shrub dominating some areas. Scattered plants are also affecting large sections of the wider moss. On the other edge of the moss spruce is readily seeding in and growing away quite happily. The volunteers set about the two tasks determinedly and over four sessions managed to clear an impressive 14 hectares of the moss of these invasive species!
There was also some time to explore the island and of course search for butterflies and moths! We weren't too successful on the butterfly hunt, it was late September after all, but we did find quite a few moths including some very large Fox moth caterpillars and a lovely Lunar Underwing. There were also daily Hen Harriers to entertain us along with Merlins, Peregrines and the odd eagle! Thanks very much to the CANN project staff for hosting us again and to the volunteers for their excellent efforts.
If you would like to help the Bog Squad improve the fortunes of Scotland's peat mosses then please get in touch with David Hill via [email protected]