Caldanagh Bog ASSI

A compact lowland raised bog within the River Main series displaying a classic domed profile with minimal turf cutting around the periphery. An area of intact lagg along the north-eastern edge of the bog represents one of the most important features of the site. The intact surface supports a moderately well developed hummock/hollow complex and the surface of the bog is exceptionally wet supporting a dense and diverse cover of Sphagnum mosses.

Of particular note, the nationally rare Sphagnum pulchrum is abundant in the hollows and the notable hummock-forming mosses Sphagnum imbricatum and Sphagnum fuscum both occur.

Some of the periphal peats have been cut for turf in the past with vegitation communities ranging from deep artificial pools to Molinia caerulea dominated grassland. The overall diversity of Caldanagh Bog is enhanced by a small esker ridge to the south-west, where the vegitation is dominated by a heath and grassland mosaic. The notable Burnet-saxifrage grows on this esker ridge.