Bog woodland is generally defined as areas of coniferous or broadleaved trees growing on peatlands where the high level of the water table and the natural low fertility restrict tree growth.

It is a rare habitat in the United Kingdom and only occurs where a specific combination of physical circumstances allow its development. It has the appearance of open woodland with scattered trees occurring across the surface of a bog in a relatively stable ecological relationship, without the loss of bog species.

This true bog woodland habitat is distinct from the progressive invasion of bog by trees, either by natural colonisation or afforestation, following changes in the drainage pattern. Such tree invasions eventually lead to the disappearance of the bog communities.

The structure and function of the bog woodland habitat is finely balanced between tree growth and bog development. Tree growth is always slow or otherwise the trees would take over the bog.

The trees are also likely to be widely spaced as much of the surface area will be too wet for them to establish. Although stunted in form, the trees may be of considerable age, with the oldest individuals in bog woodland in Scotland estimated at 350 years old. Some areas look rather like boggy outdoor bonzai collections!

• Typical Species
• Distribution

Sites:

• Pitmaduthy Moss
• Monadh Mor
• Cairngorms
  • Abernethy
  • Inshriach