Munsary Peatlands
Munsary Peatlands is Plantlife’s largest nature reserve, extending over 3,058 acres. The reserve is of international importance for its blanket bog habitat, and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area, a candidate Special Area of Conservation and is also part of a proposed World Heritage Site.
Dubh lochans at Munsary ©Sue Scott/Plantlife
The cool, wet climate of the area has led to the accumulation of peat through growth and impeded decay of Sphagnum mosses. The layer of peat at Munsary is thought to be up to 6 metres thick in some places.
The peat soil supports blanket bog vegetation dominated by carpets of Sphagnum mosses, cotton-grasses and heather. Also present are Bog Asphodel, Deer grass and sedges such as Slender Sedge and Bog Sedge.
May: Cuckooflower June: Bogbean, Common Butterwort, Marsh Violet
July: Marsh Lousewort, Marsh Cinquefoil
August: Bog Asphodel, Heather, Marsh Willowherb
Other wildlife to be seen at the reserve includes a number of notable bird species such as golden plover, curlew and greenshank.
Management of the reserve is steered by a committee, chaired by Plantlife International, and including representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB and the local community.
Location: Near Lybster, Caithness. Grid Reference: ND 211 450
Please note that access at this reserve is restricted and any visits should be arranged through prior agreement.
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links
Map and directions Click below to see the map and directions for the reserve
See how close this reserve is to the National Cycle Network. Click below to see the map
Further details
For further details contact the Plantlife Office or e-mail joe.costley@ plantlife.org.uk
Research at Munsary
Plantlife is working in partnership with the University of East London on a uniquely detailed peatland monitoring programme. For more details, click here.
Local information
For tourist information visit the Caithness community website
