Building On Bog?
Some Issues for Ecologists Evaluating Development Proposals Impacting on a European Protected Habitat
Graham Burt-Smith CEnv MIEEM - Principal Ecologist, Entec UK Ltd
Clare O’Reilly MIEEM - Ptyxis Ecology
Bogs are increasingly recognised for the ecosystem services that they support as well as their highly specialist plants and animals. They are, however, under threat from a range of different sources. There are considerable uncertainties with regard to the potential effects of climate change, and we also need to recognise that we still know little about bog ecosystems: we do not even know if erosion, one of the commonest features of blanket bog landscape (and often used to justify the label ‘modified bog’) is natural or the result of land-use practices1. This article explores the issues involved for ecologists advising clients proposing bog developments, particularly those in the UK uplands. It is drawn from practical professional experience, largely of large-scale onshore wind farm developments, and aims to present a balanced view of the various issues.
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