Upland Fens and Flushes
Where water flows through the peat soils of the uplands, it can appear at the surface, usually where there is a shallow depression or gully. This wetter area will encourage a different vegetation from surrounding drier areas and these springs and seepages create areas of fen and flush in the uplands.
These flushes are often seen in the landscape as lines of rushes and can be felt underfoot as standing water flowing slowly over the land. These wetter areas form a patchwork with other habitats such as rhos pasture and blanket bog. They can be important for a number of invertebrates that require standing water and can allow wetland plants and bog mosses to grow. The invertebrate food and ungrazed rushes provide cover for birds and small mammals, making these areas an important part of the upland landscape.
Use the navigation bar on the left to explore other upland habitats or go back to Biodiversity in the National Park.
