Creatures of the Deep Peat Bog!

Join us for a wander of discovery lead by Peatland Ecologist and Habitat Restoration Specialist Stephen Corcoran.
Stephen, an expert in dragonflies & damselflies, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies & moths, mammals such as water voles and otters, wading and wetland birds, and peatland plants, will guide us though the Upper Urr peat bog introducing us to the creatures who live here and why deep peat bogs, which are unique habitats, are their perfect home.
We expect to encounter birds and the winged insects, spiders, and bugs that nourish them. Mammals may be more elusive, leaving signs and traces of their life on the bog revealed though droppings (scats), nests and burrows. Some reptiles may shed their skins, leaving evidence of their identities and presence. Whether hidden from plain sight, discrete, or conspicuous, the traces, signs, sightings and encounters, iridescent darts, scurrying and chirrups will alert us to the creatures of the deep peat bog and bring to light the rich tapestry of life interwoven into the fabric of the Upper Urr peat bog.
11.00am Meet at Corsock Village Hall to car share down to the site.
11.20am On site exploring & discovering the creatures who live here.
12.30 pm Lunch with time to discuss ways to improve the habitat for different species. This discussion will help the Crichton Carbon Centre, with the community, design and develop the Upper Urr peatland restoration project. Bring your own packed lunch and drinks.
1.30 pm More discovering
2.30pm Head back to Corsok Village Hall
3.00pm Close
Creatures of the Deep Peat Bog is supported by the Upper Urr Environment Trust (UUET) which formed to secure community access to this area and involve local communities in the restoration and management of the peatland. Currently the peatland is lined with drainage ditches which effect the hydrology, making it drier than it naturally should be. To return the peatland to its natural state, The Crichton Carbon Centre have begun a full restoration programme, which will include filling in the drains to re-wet the landscape, encouraging more moss and peatland plant growth and a diverse range of bog life and species. Creatures of the Deep Peat Bog will help inform the Upper Urr peatland restoration project.
About Stephen Corcoran: Stephen, an Ecologist and Habitat Restoration Specialist, has delivered species and habitat projects in the Cairngorms National Park for 10 years, including peatland restoration. He’s a national advisor on biodiversity and wildlife management and he’s passionate about involving people in the wonderful world on their doorstep.