The Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park\n© Simon Fraser

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum Moss © NNPASphagnum Moss
It is hard to comprehend that the accumulation of peat in bogs is due to partly decayed remains of humble mosses.

About six to eight species of moss can be found on a rich bog, each highly adapted to a particular degree of wetness and or part of the bog.

In good growing conditions about one centimetre of peat is laid down over ten years.

© Northumberland National Park Authority, Eastburn, South Park, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1BS, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1434 605555 Fax: +44 (0)1434 611675 Email: enquiries@nnpa.org.uk