Locals in Edinburgh can take a free tour around one of the most endangered wildlife habitats in Scotland's countryside this weekend (Sunday 26 July 2009), as Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) prepares to host a public open day at Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve to celebrate International Bog Day.
As a raised bog, Red Moss of Balerno is one of the few remaining peatlands in Scotland, an extremely rare wildlife habitat which is home to many species that are found nowhere else. Peatlands are in decline as peat has been extracted for commercial purposes and other areas drained for alternative use since the 19th Century. Today only 6% of areas which were originally peatlands remains in their natural state in the UK, and two-thirds of this are found in Scotland. Once peatlands have been removed, it takes centuries for the bogs to regenerate.
Julian Warman, SWT's Reserve Manager for South East Scotland said: "Despite their perception, bogs can be fascinating areas to discover wildlife. Red Moss is home to a wide range of wildlife including birds like redpolls and willow warblers, rare moths, lichens, and six varieties of sphagnum mosses. 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.
"Peatlands or bogs are also very special as the play an important role in helping tackle climate change. Bogs lock up billions of tones of carbon and they can tell us so much about the climate and conditions thousands of years ago. They are a valuable indicator of environmental change."
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. The reserve is situated just one mile south of Balerno.
SWT is working to protect peatlands across Scotland through undertaking conservation work on SWT reserves and in the wider community to help regenerate peatlands. SWT is also a steering group member of the Peatland's Programme, a national project to protect the peatlands across the UK.
Recently, SWT began working with Rabbies Trail Burners, a one of Scotland's leading tour companies which has agreed to support peatland conservation work at SWT's Carsegowan Moss. One of their tours passes right by the SWT reserve, and they explain the importance of peatland conservation to their customers.
1. Red Moss Wildlife Reserve is open to the public on Sunday 26 July. Red Moss from 12 noon to 4.00 pm. It is free admission but voluntary contributions are welcomed. It is advised that visitors were 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 34,000 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.
5. SWT is a member of The Wildlife Trusts, a partnership of 47 independent Wildlife Trusts. The Wildlife Trusts have more than 600,000 members and care for more than 2,500 wildlife reserves.
6. Rabbie's Trail Burners, a 5 star small group tour operator, is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. Amongst many awards, they hold the Green Tourism Business Scheme at Gold level and were winners of the inaugural VisitScotland Scottish Thistle award for Sustainable Tourism in 2007. See www.rabbies.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Julian Warman, Reserves Manager, SWT (South East), 0131 312 4775; [email protected]
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Protecting Scotland's wildlife for the future
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