Scottish Wildlife Trust

PRESS RELEASE

As part of International Bog Day, Scottish Wildlife Trust's Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve in Edinburgh will open to the public this coming weekend (Sunday 27 July 2008). A raised bog, this extremely rare wildlife habitat is home to many species that are found nowhere else.

Since the 19th Century, throughout Scotland and Europe, peat has been extracted in astronomical amounts and today only 6% of what originally existed in the UK can be found with two-thirds of this in Scotland. Commercial peat extraction and land drainage has contributed to habitat loss and once gone, it takes centuries for a peat bog to regenerate. As Julian Warman SWT's Reserves said, despite their perception, bogs can be fascinating areas to discover wildlife: "Peatlands or bogs are very special and can tell us so much about the climate and conditions thousands of years ago. They are a valuable indicator of environmental change. They also support an interesting range of plants such as sundews which catch and absorb insects to survive the nutrient-poor conditions found on raised bogs."

With experts on hand, the aim of Red Moss' open day is to reveal secrets behind this special place, with a whole host of activities on offer during this free afternoon. From pond-dipping to a wildlife quiz, visitors will be able to find out more about the plants and animals living there. Situated just one mile south of Balerno, Red Moss is home to a wide range of wildlife including six varieties of sphagnum mosses, lichens, rare moths and birds like redpolls and willow warblers. Dragonflies and damselflies inhabit the small pools on the Moss, which are also the breeding grounds for common frogs, toads and newts. On the drier humps common lizards may be seen, basking in the summer sun. Short-eared owl and roe deer also visit the reserve.

***ENDS***

NOTES TO EDITORS

1.       Red Moss Wildlife Reserve is open to the public on Sunday 27 July. Red Moss from 12 noon to 4.00 pm. It is free admission but voluntary contributions are welcomed. It is advised that visitors wear appropriate clothing and be prepared for the weather.

2.       Red Moss is situated on the north side of the Pentland Hills, 9 miles south-west of Edinburgh and about 1 mile south of Balerno. Car parking is available in Threipmuir Car Park adjacent to Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve (grid reference OS Landranger, Map 65. NT 164 637).

3.       SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 30,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages more than 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

4.       SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Julian Warman, Reserves Manager, SWT (South East)

Tel: 0131 312 4775; email: jwarman@swt.org.uk