Surveying a bog on Mull of Kintyre

This is the life, how could I ever regret changing career in 2012, from I.T. manager to ecologist? NVC surveys of blanket bogs are just the best job in the world, what a habitat, what scenery! 

This is the bog, a blanket bog, M19 Calluna vulgaris - Eriophorum vaginatum blanket bog to be precise. This is one of my favourite habitats, and this one is home to hen harriers, black grouse and golden eagles.  

I could spend all day alongside these bog pools.

Sphagnum Palustre

Sphagnum capillifolium, the commonest of the red sphagnums.

Sphagnum papillosum. If you look carefully amongst the sphagnum you can often find wild cranberry, Vaccinium oxycoccos.

Huperzia selago, fir clubmoss.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea, cowberry.

Festuca vivipara, viviparous fescue.

M23a Juncus acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-mire, sub-community Juncus acutiflorus.