Management of Semi-Natural Blanket Bog in the Northern Pennines

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Abstract
(1) Long-term studies on the effects of burning and grazing of semi-natural blanket bog have been carried out at Moor House National Nature Reserve. The bog is shown to be extremely variable in its structure and composition. (2) The major effects of removal of the normal number of sheep (1 sheep per 0.44 ha) were an increase in the cover of Calluna vulgaris and a decrease in that of Eriophorum vaginatum, with an increase in lichen growth. (3) After burning there was an intermediate period of E. vaginatum dominance followed by regrowth of Calluna to form an uneven-aged stand, either alone or in combination with Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp. (4) The effects of short (10-yr) and long (20-yr) rotation burning were investigated. Calluna regeneration from seed and by vegetative regrowth was greater in the short rotation plots, and Rubus chamaemorus was considerably more abundant when short rotation burning was combined with removal of grazing. Increased grazing pressure allowed Eriophorum vaginatum to gain dominance at the expense of the dwarf shrubs, and considerably reduced lichen cover. (5) The consequences of these results are discussed with reference to long-term management, and it is concluded that light grazing by sheep, without burning, is likely to be an acceptable management in the interests of conservation.

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