The dominant tree species on bog woodland in Scotland is Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, though not in the tall or craggy forms perhaps most familiar to many.

Bog woodland pines tend to be small and stunted, but nevertheless retain their unique character. Birch Betula spp. also occurs and can be frequent, providing a delicate contrast to the more robust pines.

The ground flora is dominated by mire vegetation with species such as heather Calluna vulgaris, cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix, blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus and hare's-tail cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum. Bog mosses Sphagnum spp. are abundant forming lush, almost luminous, green carpets in some places.

Sites:

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

The bog woodlands of Scotland occur in an intimate mosaic within the wider Caledonian forest, so it is not surprising that many of the typical and signature animals and birds of the pinewood also make use of the bog woodland habitat.

These include the red squirrel Sciuris vulgaris , the pine marten Martes martes and the wildcat Felis silvestris. Important birds of the pinewood include crested tit Parus cristatus, Scottish crossbill Loxia scotica, greenshank Tringa nebularia and capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

The distinctive nests of wood ants Formica rufa, rising like minature pine-needle covered mountains from the heather, are a common site in drier areas and on the margins of the bog.

The open nature of bog woodland with its many pools and wet hollows, provides an important habitat for many other insects, including the impressive golden-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii and the rare northern damselfly Coenagrion hastulatum. For a picture of this species and more information on dragonflies, visit The Dragon Fly Society