Peat bogs

The bog at Storamyr in Sola is one of the few peat bogs remaining in Jæren.
Photo: Erik Thoring

Forty per cent of Norway’s peat bogs has been lost during the last 150 to 200 years, with the greatest losses in the highly populated lowlands. The largest remaining bogs are found in higher moorland landscapes, such as the reserves at Viermyr in Gjesdal and Trollhaug in Time/Bjerkreim. Fortunately, a few of the lowland bogs have been protected. Ramsar status peat bogs in Jæren include Storamyr, Linemyr and Vigremyr. Bogs such as these may be home to more than 200 plant species, and are also important habitats for mosses, insects and birds. Fortunately, we have become more aware in recent years of the importance of peat bogs. It is now prohibited to damage peatlands, and in many places, drained bogs have been restored.

Storamyr

The peat bog at Storamyr in Sola is one the few remaining in Jæren. It is used by many bird species for nesting, overwintering and as a migration stopover site. In the past, the bog has been drained, and the peat harvested for fuel, but in recent years it has been restored.

The common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a shy bird that can suddenly rocket up right in front of you. Photo: Rune S. Karlsen

Vigremyr

The bog at Vigremyr is one of the last rich fens in Jæren. A rich fen is special because it offers an abundance of nutrients to its plant life due to substrates rich in calcareous shell sand. Vigremyr is home to many rare plants, including some red-listed species. The Norwegian Red List contains species that are threatened with extinction.

The beautiful quaking grass (Briza media) thrives in open bog habitats such as Vigremyr bog. Photo: Hajotthu, Wikimedia Commons
The early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata) is a rare species that grows in open calcareous habitats. Photo: Gail Hampshire

Linemyr

The bog at Linemyr is in Time municipality. It is being invaded by birch and willow, and relies on active management to prevent it from becoming overgrown. As many as 59 bird species have been recorded here, but wetland birds are become increasingly rare.

Common cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is a typical bogland plant.
Photo: Fährtenleser, Wikimedia Commons