Black Bog Rush (Schoenus nigricans)

Black bog rush is a common plant in the lowland blanket bogs of western Ireland, easily recognizable by its distinct black tufts at the ends of its stems. While it thrives in the nutrient-poor blanket bogs of Ireland, in the rest of Europe it is primarily found in mineral-rich fens. The reason for this unusual distribution is unclear, though it may be influenced by mineral deposition from sea spray during onshore gales along Ireland’s west coast.

Bog-Cottons (Eriophorum spp.)

In early summer, bog-cotton is one of the most iconic sights on the bog, its cottony tufts swaying in the breeze. These fluffy tufts are attached to seeds and help with seed dispersal. The most common species is many-flowered bog cotton (Eriophorum angustifolium), especially prominent in areas recently cut for peat. Other species in Ireland include hare’s tail bog-cotton (Eriophorum vaginatum), broad-leaved bog-cotton (Eriophorum latifolium), and the slender bog-cotton (Eriophorum gracile), which is legally protected.

Cross-Leaved Heath (Erica tetralix) 

This pink-flowered heather is typically found in wetter areas of blanket bogs. It gets its name from the arrangement of its leaves, which grow in whorls of four on the stems. Cross-leaved heath is common in both blanket and raised bogs.

Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum)

Pipewort is a distinctive plant often described as resembling knitting needles. It grows along the stony or peaty edges of lakes in lowland blanket bogs. In Europe, pipewort is restricted to blanket bog lakes along the west coast of Ireland and a few lakes in western Scotland, although it is more common in North American lakes.

Sundews (Drosera spp.)

Sundews are the most common insectivorous plants in blanket bogs. These plants trap insects on sticky pads on their leaves and secrete an enzyme to break down the insects into nutrients that can be absorbed. This adaptation helps sundews survive in the nutrient-poor conditions of bogs. In Ireland, there are three species of sundew: the round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), oblong-leaved sundew (Drosera intermedia), and long-leaved sundew (Drosera anglica). The round-leaved sundew is the most common and can even grow in relatively dry areas of the bog.

Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum spp.) 

Sphagnum moss is one of the most crucial plants in bog ecosystems. It has exceptional absorbent properties, being able to retain many times its weight in water, which helps maintain the wet conditions of the bog. This moss was also gathered extensively in Ireland during World War I for use as a wound dressing. Additionally, sphagnum moss acidifies the bog environment by absorbing nutrients and releasing hydrogen ions, which further slows down decomposition. There are around 24 species of sphagnum moss in Ireland.

Bog Spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) 

The bog spider is relatively common in blanket bogs and is typically found near bog pools. It is a large spider with distinctive yellow or white bands along its brown body. The bog spider hunts by waiting at the edges of pools, feeling for vibrations on the water’s surface. When an insect lands, it quickly darts out to catch its prey.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies are some of the most spectacular inhabitants of bogland. They begin their life cycle in an aquatic nymph stage, feeding on various small animals in bog pools. After several years, they transform into the striking adult dragonflies, but they live for only a few months. Dragonflies are particularly abundant in areas of cutover blanket bog, where there are large expanses of open water that are ideal for completing their life cycle. At least 12 species of dragonfly are known to inhabit Irish bogs.

Otter (Lutra lutra)

Otters are widespread throughout Ireland, but the lakes and rivers associated with blanket bogs are among their favoured habitats. They feed mainly on fish from these water bodies, and their droppings, or “spraints,” are often seen along water margins. Ireland is considered to have one of the healthiest otter populations in Europe, and the species is legally protected.

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

The hen harrier is a large bird of prey that primarily lives in upland blanket bog areas. The males are notable for their striking blue-grey plumage with black wing tips. Hen harriers tend to be found in blanket bogs that have some nearby coniferous forestry, particularly young developing forests. Over the past few decades, the population of hen harriers has experienced significant fluctuations, largely due to habitat changes.