Monitoring of the raised bog Holmegaards Mose 2013

Transcription

1 Monitoring of the raised bog Holmegaards Mose 2013

2 Monitoring of the raised bog Holmegaards Mose 2013 Report by AGLAJA for Nature Agency, Storstrøm, 2014 Field studies: Irina Goldberg and Eigil Plöger Text: Irina Goldberg and Eigil Plöger Photos AGLAJA Front page photo: Plebejus optilete by Jan Fischer Rasmussen AGLAJA v. Eigil Plöger Lundevej 48, Vråby 4652 Hårlev

3 Contents Summary Introduction Survey of vegetation, microtopography, peat formation, and secondary growth of birch Methods Results Vegetation in the six study areas Vegetation in the two transects Distribution of a number of peat moss species Conclusion Suggestions for further monitoring Monitoring of selected species Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) Methods Results Discussion A water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus Methods Results and discussion Butterflies Methods Results and discussion References Appendix 1. Vegetation Appendix 1.1. Map of study areal Appendix 1.2. Map of transects Appendix 1.3. Study area Appendix 1.4. Study area 2, plots Appendix 1.4. Study area 2, plots Appendix 1.5. Study area 3, plots Appendix 1.5. Study area 3, plots Appendix 1.6. Study area 4, plots Appendix 1.6. Study area 4, plots Appendix 1.7. Study area 5, plots Appendix 1.7. Study area 5, plots Appendix 1.8. Study area 6, plots Appendix 1.8. Study area 6, plots Appendix 1.9. Transect 1, plots Appendix 1.9. Transect 1, plots Appendix Transect 2, plots Appendix Transect 2, plots Appendix 2. A water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus Appendix 3. Butterflies Appendix 3.1. Map of fixed-route walk for monitoring of butterflies Appendix 3.2. Butterfly species recorded in the transect on the 17th of June Appendix 3.3. Butterfly species recorded in the transect on the 15th of July Appendix 3.4. New areas proposed for butterfly monitoring Appendix 3.5. Distribution of butterflies

4 Summary Holmegaards Mose is the largest raised bog in East Denmark that has been subject to drainage and peat cutting in the past. The LIFE project in Holmegaards Mose is aimed at restoring active raised bog habitat in previously wooded/drained areas as well as at improving conditions for this and the secondarily originated habitat types in the area. A survey of the vegetation and a number of rare, protected species (Fen Orchid Liparis loeselii, a water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus and butterflies Boloria aquilonaris, Cynonympha tullia and Plebius optilete) was done prior to or during the initial restoration work at the site in It was followed by further studies in after the restoration work had been completed. The aim of the survey is to be able to demonstrate the effect of the restoration activities on the vegetation and species The results of this survey are described in the report. Survey of the vegetation gives a status of eight parts of the raised bog within the project area where the effect of restoration activities (removal of birch forest and raising of the water table) is expected to be different. The westernmost and easternmost parts of the project area are not monitored. The vegetation within the project area is rather heterogeneous; the general trend is though that Molinia caerulea has become less abundant while the coverage of peat mosses has increased since A possible explanation could be that this is caused by slow raise of the water level. In the population of Fen Orchid, Liparis loeselii a decline in numbers of vegetative and generative plants was observed since In 2013 there was an increase in the number of plants in the permanent plot, and the number of individuals was approximately the same as in A water beetle, Graphoderus bilineatus was not caught in this study in the period of Five out of 10 investigated peat pits are considered to be potential habitats for the species. Boloria aquilonaris that was observed both in 2010 and 2011 has apparently disappeared from Holmegaards Mose. Already in 2011 there was a rather drastic decline in the number of individuals compared to Coenonympha tullia and Plebeius optilete are mainly found in the central and western part of the study area. This seems to be the most intact part of the raised bog. 1. Introduction Holmegaards Mose is the largest raised bog in East Denmark that has been subject to drainage and peat cutting in the past. This has resulted in the loss of raised bog habitat (7110) and development of a number of secondary habitat types in the old excavation areas, e.g. wooded bog, quaking bog, rich fen and flooded peat pits. Holmegaards Mose is a habitats area that has been selected for the presence of the Annex I habitats Active raised bog (7110), Degraded raised bog capable of regeneration (7120), Transition mire and quaking bog (7140), Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus (7210), Alkaline fen (7230) and Annex 2 species Liparis loeselii (Fen Orchid) and Graphoderus bilineatus (a water beetle) /18/. 4

5 The LIFE project in Holmegaards Mose is aimed at restoring active raised bog habitat in previously wooded/drained areas as well as at improving conditions for this and the secondarily originated habitat types in the area. As a part of Action E.2: Monitoring, a survey of the vegetation and a number of rare, protected species (Fen Orchid Liparis loeselii, a water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus and butterflies (Boloria aquilonaris, Cynonympha tullia, Plebius optilete) was done prior to or during the initial restoration work at the site in 2010 /5/. It was followed by further studies in /6,7/ after the restoration work had been completed. The aim of the survey is to be able to demonstrate the effect of the restoration activities on the vegetation and species. The results of this survey are described in the report. 2. Survey of vegetation, microtopography, peat formation, and secondary growth of birch 2.1. Methods In 2010 the project area was divided in 6 study areas with various vegetation types, where the effect of restoration activities (removal of birch forest and raising of the water table) was expected to be different (Appendix 1.1, Table 1). Within each study area a number of permanent plots were installed. The vegetation changes which will take place within the site over the period of the restoration project will be shown by means of observed changes in these plots. In order to ensure the future position of plots the center was marked with a timber stake and a GPS reading in EuRef 89 UTM 32 was also recorded. In addition two permanent transects were established in the eastern part of the study area which was predominantly covered with forest, in places with open bog vegetation (Appendix 1.2). The first transect was 600 m long and contained 21 plots in 2010 but cut down to 450 m and 16 plots later on; the second transect was 450 long with 16 plots. The distance between the plots within each transect is 30 m. Every plot consisted of two circles with a radius of 5 m and 15 m. Within a 5 m circle the coverage of peat mosses, Molinia caerulea, Campylopus introflexus, birch, pools / hummocks and amount of wear and tear was estimated, and all the occurring plant species were recorded. In a 15 m circle the coverage of open water surface, shrubs, trees and bushes < 1 m and > 1 m tall was estimated. In only the 15 m circles were investigated. The collected data are presented in Appendix The living bog surface shows a complex of hummocks and pools with different Sphagnum species occupying different positions in relation to the degree of water logging. Hummocks are typically colonized by shrubs (Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum and Erica tetralix) and Eriophorium vaginatum, in the pools sedges are frequent (Rhynchospora alba, Eriophorum angustifolium). 5

6 Table 1. The study areas Study area Vegetation in 2010 Restoration activities Area (ha) Number of plots 1 Secondary alkaline fen Manual cutting of trees in the 0,7 5 south-eastern part in 2013; expected raising of the water table 0-25 cm 2 Degraded raised bog The forest was felled in 2007; 7,1 10 at places turning into grazing by sheep; expected raising active raised bog of the water table 0-25cm 3 Wet birch woodland and bog pool community 4 Birch woodland with Molinia caerulea Logging and crushing of trees in ; the water table is not expected to raise Logging trees in 2010, removal in 2011, manual cutting in 2013; expected raising of the water table 0-25 cm only in a part of the area 5 Degraded raised bog Grazing by sheep until 2012; manual cutting of trees in 2013; expected raising of the water table 0-25 cm (a half of the area) or cm 6 Active raised bog bearing the stamp of peat cutting in the past Manual cutting of trees in the northern part in winter 2010 and in 2013; expected raising of the water table 0-25 cm in the central part 15,2 10 6,1 10 7, ,5 10 The presence and coverage of peat mosses indicates the process of peat formation in a bog. In an active raised bog the coverage of peat mosses is almost 100%, and the peat consists mostly of Sphagnum. Restoration of the habitat type 7110 implies reestablishment of peat moss cover that plays an active part in turf formation. The presence of Molinia caerulea as well as trees and shrubs is a sign of drainage and enrichment of water with nutrients from decomposition of peat. Betula pubescens - Molinia caerulea woodland is found on raised bogs which have been subject to some disturbance such as drainage or peat cutting. An invasive moss species, Campylopus introflexus colonizes surface of rather dry peat without vegetation. In the areas grazed by sheep the amount of wear and tear is a factor that can damage the bog vegetation. From the center of two plots in each study area / transect panorama pictures of the site and vegetation were taken with a digital camera (these are available as jpg-files). In addition, distribution of a number of peat moss species (Sphagnum papillosum, S. tenellum and S. fuscum typical of an oligotrophic, acidic mire / bog, as well as S. affine, S. centrale and S. contortum, rare species indicating minerotrophic conditions) was mapped within and outside the project area in both as a part of this project and an inventory made by Aglaja for Municipality of Næstved. The field work was carried out in September-October 2010, October 2011, October- November 2012 and

7 2.2. Results Vegetation in the six study areas Area 1 ( Westphalerskæret ): The alkaline fen vegetation has developed secondarily in an old turf pit where the peat has been removed completely down to the underlying layer of limey soil. As a result of draining the birch, Betula pubescens, as well as willow and alder spreaded into the area, but in 2005 the trees were cut. Regrowth of tree species from the remaining stumps has been observed later on. Besides, Phragmites australis dominates the vegetation and overshadows the low sedges and mosses. Myrica gale is abundant in the north-western part of the area. The northernmost part of the area (plot 1.1) is wooded. In 2013 Phragmites australis as well as trees were manually cut in the south-eastern part of the area. Otherwise no remarkable changes in the vegetation have been observed since The water table was expected to raise 0-25 cm as a result of blocking drains in Holmegaards Mose. It seemed like the water level was raising slowly, at least the open water surface has increased a bit in , but after a very dry summer in 2013 there was almost no water in the soil surface within the area. Area 2: Predominantly degraded, dried bog that had been covered with birch woodland until 2007 when it was cleared of trees. Grazing by sheep was established in order to prevent the regeneration of birch, although it has become more extensive since The vegetation is dominated by schrubs (Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum, Erica tetralix) and Molinia caerulea (40% in average). Re-growth of birch has slightly increased during (from ca. 15% to 23%); regeneration of peat mosses is most prominent in the central part of the area (plots 2.1, 2.2, 2.5 and 2.10), in some plots the coverage of peat mosses has increased with 100% (Fig. 1). The presence of Sphagnum papillosum, S. rubellum, S. magellanicum and S. cuspidatum indicates that the vegetation development is going in the right direction. An invasive moss species, Campylopus introflexus is observed only on the peat surfaces lacking vegetation. The coverage of Molinia caerulea seems to be decreasing. Area 3: Before 2010 predominantly birch woodland on moist, moderately acid, minerotrophic, peaty soil. The vegetation was dominated by Betula pubescens and Myrica gale, the coverage of Molinia caerulea and peat mosses was high. At the time of the field survey in 2010 removing of the forest in the area had already started, and the trees were felled in approximately a half of the area. During more birch trees were felled down. Most of the dead wood was removed from the area apart from the parts where the bog soil was constantly very moist. The vegetation is characterised by Myrica gale that is actively regenerating after cuttings (Fig. 2); its coverage is estimated as ca. 36% (vs. ca. 13% in 2010). The coverage of Molinia caerulea and peat mosses tends to be somewhat increased since 2010 (from 24% to 37% and from 50% to 58% respectively, see Table 2 and 3). A part of the area north of plot 3.3 and west of plot 3.1 is dominated by Phragmites australis, and the water seems to be enriched with nutrients, with plenty of green algae in it. In the same part of the bog Cladium mariscus is found several places (between plot 3.4 and 3.1 as well as east of plot 3.1) 7

8 Fig. 1. Changes of peat moss coverage in the plots: green colour indicates increase, red colour - decrease, yellow no changes. The plots without peat mosses are marked with circles Fig. 2. Vegetation re-establishment in the north-eastern part of area 3 (plot 3.6). Myrica gale and Molinia caerulea are prevailing species. In the central part a bog pool community dominated by Sphagnum denticulatum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba has secondarily arisen in an old peat extraction area. The peat moss cover here is almost total which indicates that peat formation is taking place. Area 4: In 2010 Betula pubescens Molinia caerulea woodland; peat mosses were very sparse. Removing of the forest had started before the field survey was done for the first time, and completed in One year after clearings the vegetation re- 8

9 establishment already begun: re-growth of Betula pubescens and Myrica gale took place; their coverage is estimated as ca. 22% (vs. ca. 14% in 2010) despite an extra manual cutting action in 2013, and Molinia caerulea dominates the vegetation (Fig. 3). The coverage of peat mosses has not increased significantly since the woodland was removed, but the number of plots where Sphagnum species are found has increased, and there are more species pr. plot Fig. 3. Vegetation re-establishment in the south-eastern part of area 4 (plot 4.2). Molinia caerulea has become a dominating species. Area 5: Degraded, dried bog dominated by Molinia caerulea, towards north moist / wet old peat pit (trench) with peat mosses, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Eriophorum angustifolium and Drosera rotundifolia. The largest part of the area was grazed by sheep by the end of 2010 / beginning of 2011 in order to prevent the regeneration of birch and reduce the growth of Molinia caerulea. In 2012 the coverage of shrubs and birch slightly increased due to natural regeneration, but after manual removal (particularly in the northern part of the area, Fig. 4) in 2013 the low birch trees (<1 m tall) cover ca. 7% of the area, and higher trees only 4,5%. The coverage of Molinia caerulea has decreased at moist places (e.g. plot 5.5, 5.8 and 5.9). The coverage of peat mosses has slightly increased, especially in the northern part (plots 5.7, 5.8 and 5.9), although peat mosses are completely lacking in most of the plots. 9

10 Fig. 4. Northern part of study area 5 (plot 5.9): birch trees are removed in The open water surface within some of the investigated plots became larger in the wet months of Particularly plot 5.5 located in the south-eastern part of the area was constantly flooded by water enriched with nutrients, but it dried out almost completely during summer In this plot Cladium mariscus was found for the first time in Phragmites australis is spreading from the minerotrophic flooded bog east of the blocked ditch (Fig. 5). Fig. 5. Eastern part of study area 5 is flooded with water enriched with nutrients. Phragmites australis is spreading. Area 6: The most intact part of the raised bog; the vegetation is dominated by peat mosses (Sphagnum magellanicum, S. rubellum, S. cuspidatum, S. fallax, occasionally S. papillosum, only a few places S. tenellum and S. fuscum) and shrubs (Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum, Erica tetralix and Andromeda polyfolia) and the surface microtopography with hummocks and pools is developed at some places. The central part of the area bears the stamp of peat cutting in the past, it is quite wet and at some places the vegetation has developed on minerotrophic turf (Sphagnum teres, S. centrale and S. affine are present), but much of the area looks dry, dominated by heaths. In the northern part the birch trees were removed in February During 2012 a movable fence was established in the north-western part of the area, but extensive grazing stopped already in Although the area seems to be more humid then in the beginning of the survey, no remarkable changes in the vegetation can be observed. The coverage of peat mosses tends to increase (from 50% in 2010 to 55% in 2013). 10

11 Vegetation in the two transects Transect 1: In 2010 wooded bog dominated by Betula pubescens and Molinia caerulea with a sparse cover of peat mosses. Sphagnum palustre and S. fimbriatum were the most common peat mosses. In 2011 birch wood was removed completely. Stakes marking permanent plots along most of the transect were destroyed. The plots 1-15 were re-established, but it was not possible to locate them exactly the same place as in The vegetation is re-establishing after clearings (Fig. 6), and Molinia caerulea is abundant. Though its coverage has decreased in average from 62% in 2010 to 49% in 2013, particularly in the northern part of the transect (plots 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5), which is probably due to raising of the water table that was expected to happen as a result of blocking drains in the project area. The coverage of peat mosses has slightly increased, especially in the northern half Fig. 6. Vegetation re-establishment in the central part of transect 1. Plot 1.7, view towards south. Towards south (between plots 15 and 17) the transect crosses an old peat pit (trench) dominated by Sphagnum species (especially S. fallax), Eriophorum angustifolium and Vaccinium oxycoccos where the birch trees have been felled but not removed from the site. A rare species, Sphagnum majus is found in plot 17. Transect 2: In 2010 wooded bog dominated by Betula pubescens and Eriophorum vaginatum, at places by Molinia caerulea and Empetrum nigrum. The forest had been removed in three stages: partly (in plots 1-2 and 9-13) before the field survey was done in 2010, in the southernmost part of the transect (plots 14-16) in 2011, and finally in the northern half (plots 3-8) in winter 2012 (Fig. 7). 11

12 Fig. 7. In the central part of transect 2 the birch was cleared in the beginning of Plot 2.7, view towards south-east Fig. 8. Vegetation re-establishment in the northern part of transect The vegetation is re-establishing after cuttings (Fig. 8): Eriophorum vaginatum, peat mosses and shrubs are regenerating at wet places, and Molinia caerulea at the dry ones. The coverage of peat mosses has increased from ca. 14% in 2010 to 23% in 2013; Sphagnum palustre, S. fallax and S. fimbriatum are the most frequent species. The transect crosses a system of old peat pits and baulks Distribution of a number of peat moss species Although the presence of peat mosses is an important indicator of the process of peat formation in a bog, it is also essential to know which species are present since their ecological preferences are different. The typical species occurring in a Danish 12

13 oligotrophic, acid, raised bog with a stable high water table are Sphagnum magellanicum, S. rubellum, S. papillosum, S. cuspidatum and S. tenellum. Sphagnum palustre, S. fimbriatum, S. angustifolium, S. subnitens and S. squarrosum are rather common, but their presence indicates mesotrophic / minerotrophic conditions in old peat pits and in lagg -zone. Sphagnum affine and S. centrale are rare species growing under the same conditions. The group of oligotrophic species listed above is found in the whole study area as well as in the old peat pits towards east (Fig. 9A), with Sphagnum rubellum as the most common taxon. The minerotrophic species (S. squarrosum, S. teres, S. contortum, S. central and S. affine) are very rare in the area dominated by active / re-established raised bog, and their occurrence is confined to secondary habitat types in the old peat pits where the turf layer is rather thin, and the vegetation is influenced by the ground water. The common mesotrophic species (S. fimbriatum and S. palustre) are very abundant and found in almost all study plots (Fig. 9B). Please note that the data on their distribution outside the plots is not available. A B Fig. 9. Distribution of Sphagnum species with different ecology in Holmegaards Mose: green dots oligotrophic (slightly mesotrophic) species; red dots minerotrophic species; yellow dots mesotrophic species. It is conspicuous that both oligotrophic and mesotrophic species are found in the same parts of the project area, and many of them occur in the same plots. This shows that Holmegaards Mose still bears the stamp of disturbances (drainage and peat cutting) in the past, but its vegetation is developing towards the stage of a raised bog. A number of peat moss species indicating different water chemistry, water level and peat surface structure were mapped in Holmegaards Mose in order to obtain more detailed information about the status of different parts of the area. Sphagnum papillosum is probably the most important peat forming species. It is widely distributed in open acidic peatlands, and can also be present in transitional mires, but usually only where the peat surface has been raised above direct ground (mineral) water influence. It is believed to be slightly more susceptible to drying than Sphagnum magellanicum /1/. There is a consensus in the literature that it is a positive indicator of bog condition where it occurs at high cover levels. 13

14 Fig. 10. Sphagnum papillosum in Holmegaards Mose. It is widespread in Holmegaards Mose, both in the oligotrophic parts and old peat pits with mesotrophic conditions (Fig. 10). Sphagnum tenellum is a species of open, damp, oligotrophic habitats where it frequently grows in the transitional zone between hummocks and pools mixed with Sphagnum cuspidatum, S. fallax, S. papillosum or S. magellanicum. It is also believed to be both an indicator of disturbance and excessive grazing (decreases suggest excessive grazing / trampling), and acts as a primary colonist of bare peat. In Holmegaards Mose it is only found in study area 6 (Fig. 11) that is the most intact part of the bog, at places where the surface microtopography with hummocks and pools is developed. Fig. 11. Sphagnum tenellum in Holmegaards Mose. Sphagnum fuscum is an ombrotrophic species usually forming dense hummocks in open oligotrophic mires. It can also occur under mesotrophic conditions giving rise to 14

15 oligotrophic islands. This is also the case in Holmegaards Mose (Fig. 12) that indicates the development of the peatland towards oligotrophic raised bog. Fig. 12. Sphagnum fuscum in Holmegaards Mose. Sphagnum majus is a rare, extremely hydrophilous species, submerged in pools or very wet parts of open, oligotrophic to weakly mesotrophic mires. Its range overlaps with S. cuspidatum, and in Holmegaards Mose (Fig. 13) it is found mixed with the latter species in wet peat pits. Fig. 13. Sphagnum majus in Holmegaards Mose. Sphagnum affine and S. centrale are rare species of mesotrophic peatland habitats absent from strongly acidic locations (Fig. 14 and 15). Sphagnum contortum is one of a few species that is able to tolerate high base status in peat and peat water. It is found several places within the minerotrophic margin of Holmegaards Mose (Fig. 16). 15

16 Fig. 14. Sphagnum affine in Holmegaards Mose. Fig. 15. Sphagnum centrale in Holmegaards Mose. Fig. 16. Sphagnum contortum in Holmegaards Mose. 16

17 Sphagnum teres (Fig. 17) is found in a variety of damp or wet mesotrophic to somewhat eutrophic habitats, often where the influence of mineral water is pronounced. Fig. 17. Sphagnum teres in Holmegaards Mose Conclusion The time since drainage of a bog has started strongly affects the hydrological and vegetation changes in the ecosystem. In recently drained areas, it is likely that restoration can help the area to revert to its original habitat type. The longer the area has been drained, the more difficult it is to fully recreate the original stage. In such cases, restoration leads to a new natural state, different from the original, but nevertheless recognizable as some other peatland habitat type /20/. In Holmegaards Mose, the vegetation of the former wooded bog seems to be changing back to the state of the year 2010, before the restoration activities began: in the places where the birch forest floor vegetation was dominated by Molinia caerulea and/or Myrica gale the two species are prevailing (e.g. study area 4, parts of transect 1 and 2). The parts of wooded bog where the coverage of peat mosses and Eriophorum vaginatum was high look more like a pristine bog (e.g. most of the study area 2, northern part of area 5, transect 2). The vegetation within the project area is rather heterogeneous; it is very likely due to the hydrological conditions: the relative position of the water table within the peat as well as the water and peat chemistry. The fundamental basis for peatland restoration is rewetting. Since drainage ditches in Holmegaards Mose were blocked in 2010 in order to raise the water level, parts of the project area where the survey of vegetation is taking place seem to become more humid (e.g. southern part of study area 3, south-eastern part of area 5, central part of area 6, northern part of transect 1). However the measurements of water level have not been carried out, and it is impossible to say for sure which parts of the bog have undergone the greatest changes. The open water surface was estimated instead, but its presence can be both a result of high ground water level and precipitation as 17

18 well as flooding by the minerotrophic water from ditches. It is a subjective parameter that is strongly dependent on the weather conditions. Summer of 2013 was the driest one during the whole period of survey, while precipitation was rather high both in winter and summer of The general trend is though that Molinia caerulea has become less abundant (Table 2) while the coverage of peat mosses has increased (Table 3) since A possible explanation could be that this is caused by slow raise of the water level. Table 2. Changes of the coverage of Molinia caerulea in the study areas and transects (average, m 2 ) Study area Changed with, % T T Table 3. Changes of the coverage of peat mosses in the study areas and transects (average, m 2 ) Study area Changed with, % T T Re-growth of birch is still a problem, and it can only be kept under control by manual cutting of the young trees. In the restoration of peatlands, successes have generally been those of short-term repair. Periods of restoration have been much too short to ensure progression to, or even well toward, a fully functional peatland reasonably compatible with the pristine state of similar peatlands elsewhere /8/. An estimate is that a significant number of characteristic bog species can be established in 3 5 years, a stable high water table in about a decade, and a functional ecosystem that accumulates peat in perhaps 30 years Suggestions for further monitoring In this survey the vegetation changes were followed only in selected parts of the project area in Holmegaards Mose. The project area was divided in 8 study areas according to the expectation that the effect of restoration activities (removal of birch forest and raising of the water table) would be different. The vegetation in some of these (areas 3 and 4 and the transects) has appeared to be rather heterogeneous. In 18

19 some study areas the restoration activities started before the first survey was done which made it impossible to compare the vegetation before and after the forest removal. In case a number of new parts of the bog will be covered by the project activities in the future, it is important to make a baseline monitoring prior to the restoration actions. We would recommend to establish more plots to cover all parts of the project area. A plot with a radius of 5 m has an optimal size. Within this, a number of structural parameters should be estimated: the coverage of peat mosses, Molinia caerulea, shrubs, trees and bushes < 1 m and > 1 m tall as well as pools / hummocks, and all the occurring species of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens should be recorded. Since the bog vegetation changes rather slowly, it is not needed to make a survey of permanent plots every year; our estimation is that every 5th or 6th year will be enough. 3. Monitoring of selected species 3.1. Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) is a rare, threatened species in Denmark. Its population is located in a secondary rich fen (habitat type 7230/7210) in the northernmost part of the habitat area. As a part of the restoration project the water table is expected to be raised cm at this site. Fen Orchid is monitored every year as a part of the National Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment (NOVANA) carried out by the Ministry of Environment Methods Fen Orchid is monitored by the methods described in technical manual for NOVANAmonitoring of Liparis loeselii /2/. The method implies counting of the number of vegetative and generative plants in a permanent plot which area is approximately 300 square meters. Counting has been done every year since A satellite population was discovered in 2009 during habitat mapping, and this population is also monitored. In monitoring of the permanent plot was done by employees at the Nature Agency department in Roskilde (Ministry of Environment) Results The results of counting of Liparis loeselii in the permanent plot are shown in Figure 18. In 2013 there was a major increase in the number of plants in the permanent plot, and the number of plants was approximately the same as in It is uncertain if the population just outside the permanent plot was counted in

20 A satellite population situated approximately 300 m north-east of the permanent plot was also monitored in 2013, but no plants were counted. No plants have been seen in this population since 2010, where 3 plants were counted. It is most likely that the satellite population is extinct. The habitat of Liparis loeselii is mapped, and an approximate boundary of the habitat can be seen on Fig number of plants vegetative generative Fig. 18. Number of individuals of Liparis loeselii in the permanent plot during the period of NOVANA-monitoring. Fig 19. The habitat of the Fen Orchid in late autumn The removal of trees, shrubs and tall sedges is evident - as is the high ground water level Discussion In the permanent plot there has been clearing of trees as well as tall, robust sedges such as Cladium mariscus in and again in fall 2012 and 2013 (Fig. 19). It is likely that the increased number of counted plants is a positive response to the management combined with the fact that the summer of 2013 was extremely dry. Liparis loeselii is sensitive to too humid conditions, and the habitat was more suitable for the species because of no precipitation in spring and early summer

21 The management of the habitat has a positive result both due to removal of trees, shrubs and tall sedges and especially to the physical disturbance of the soil caused by trampling in the permanent plot. The satellite population seems to be extinct because of overshadowing by taller herbs and shrubs, and periodical flooding of the habitat. Suitable management of this habitat may bring the species back. The mapping of the habitat shows a significant decrease in area which is primarily caused by the change of water regime. Although the habitat was dry in summer 2013, it was significantly wetter prior to the LIFE project. In 2009 as well as in 2011 the habitat was very wet due to heavy rain and flooding. Moreover the water level in winter and spring is generally raised compared to before the LIFE project. The method of monitoring the Fen Orchid is suitable for monitoring the population dynamics. But it does not show whether the LIFE project has a negative effect on the orchid or not. Many different parameters such as water level, management of the habitat, predation by snails etc. influence the size of the population. It is not recommended to continue the monitoring in the LIFE project. Monitoring as a part of the National Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment seems to be sufficient. Mapping of the habitat every 6th year is recommended if monitoring of the fen orchid has to be continued as a part of the LIFE project. Fig 20. Mapped habitat of Liparis loeselii in 2013 is shown in green. The habitat mapped in 2010 is shown in yellow. The permanent plot in blue. 21

22 3.2. A water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus Graphoderus bilineatus is a rare, threatened aquatic species. It occurs in lakes and ponds with clean, oligotrophic water, not shaded by trees and bushes, often with abundant submerse and emergent vegetation /7/. In Holmegaards Mose the water beetle was monitored in 2011 as a part of the National Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment (NOVANA) carried out by the Ministry of Environment. Under this monitoring Graphoderus bilineatus was caught in pit no. 36 (Appendix 2) /15/. The rare species was also caught in the same pit in Besides the water beetle was found in 2007 just outside the habitat area in a peat pit (no 39). The purpose of this survey is to assess whether it is possible to improve the quality of potential habitat for the species by removing trees and bushes along the shaded edges of the old, flooded peat pits within the project area Methods In different methods were applied for monitoring the effects of clearing trees and bushes to improve the habitats. Monitoring Method year 2010 Mapping of 10 potential habitats for the water beetle. The method implies registration of structural parameters of the habitat and the surroundings as well as registration of vascular plants and mosses occurring in the marginal, floating and submerged vegetation (see Appendix 2) 2011 Searching for the water beetle in 10 peat pits using a catching net. The purpose of this survey was to determine which pits could be a suitable habitat. Five out of ten pits were considered to be potential habitats for the water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus. The water beetle was not found. (See Fig. 20 and Fig. 21) Using traps for investigation of the water beetle fauna in five potential habitats. The water beetle was not found (See report from 2012 /7/) Searching for the water beetle in five potential habitats using a catching net and extensive mapping of the same habitats. The water beetle was not found, but the studied peat pits are still considered as suitable and potential habitats Results and discussion Graphoderus bilineatus was not caught in this study in the period of Five out of 10 investigated peat pits are considered to be potential habitats for the water beetle. 22

23 The monitoring methods e.g. using traps and catching nets are not the right way for investigating whether or not the LIFE project has a positive influence on the population of the water beetle. The raised bog Holmegaards Mose is big and contains numerous habitats that are more or less suitable, primarily outside the project area. Because of the fact that the population(s) of the water beetle seem to be small and are likely to stay in suitable habitats, catching Graphoderus bilineatus in new habitats is considered to be pure luck. Nevertheless the new potential habitats are created throughout the LIFE project actions. It will be obviously necessary to maintain the new habitats by continuously removing re-growth of trees and shrubs. For further monitoring it is recommended to continue mapping potential habitats every 6th year. This could take place in 5 potential habitats as well as in peat pits which are not investigated yet. Monitoring the water beetle itself is supposed to continue as a part of the National Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment carried out by the Ministry of Environment. The results of the habitat mapping in context of the LIFE project could be used in the national monitoring program. Fig 21. Position of traps (green) in the northwestern part of Holmegaards Mose. Fig 22. Position of traps (green) in the eastern part of Holmegaards Mose Butterflies The whole ecosystem of the bog is a mix of microhabitats where different species of butterflies live. The restoration activities cause changes both in macro- and microhabitats and affect e.g. the species that occur in the peat or lower part of the vegetation at least at some stages of their life cycle. In 2010 a simple monitoring /5/ was established to observe the impact of the restoration project, especially of the water level raise on populations of three species that are rare in Denmark and endangered on the isle of Zealand. Monitoring have taken place every year since Cranberry Fritillary (Boloria aquilonaris) and Large Heath (Coenonympha tullia) are listed on the Danish Red List of Threatened Species as endangered, EN, and Cranberry Blue (Plebeius optilete) has a status of near threatened, NT. 23

24 The caterpillars of Boloria aqulionaris and Plebeius optilete feed on Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), while Coenonympha tullia feeds on sedges such as Rhynchospora alba, Eriophorum vaginatum etc Methods A fixed route (transect) was established at the site, and butterflies were recorded while walking along the route under reasonable weather conditions (Appendix 3.1). The butterflies were monitored in the middle of June and of July The time of monitoring is approximately the same as the previous years Results and discussion Boloria aquilonaris was not found this year in Holmegaards Mose, and it is likely to believe that the butterfly has disappeared from the locality. The actions of the LIFE project is very unlikely to be the reason for the extinction of the species, which is extremely rare outside Jutland. The other rare species have the same distribution pattern as the last year; these are mainly found in the central and western part of the study area. This seems to be the most intact part of the raised bog. Large Heath (Coenonympha tullia) is apparently more abundant and widely distributed than Cranberry Blue (Plebeius optilete) see Fig 23 and Appendix 3.4. Fig. 23. The distribution of Large Heath (Coenonympha tullia) registered along the permanent transect in the monitoring period Registration between fixed points is shown as one or more dots between fixed points. Similar maps for Cranberry Fritillary (Boloria aquilonaris) and Cranberry Blue (Plebeius optilete) are to be found in Appendix

25 The number of registrations of Coenonympha tullia and Plebeius optilete fluctuates during the monitoring period. Population fluctuations of these species can be explained by differences in weather conditions during hatching, namely air temperature and amount of precipitation. The spring was very dry and cold, and the summer was extremely dry until the end of July. It is also obvious that the weather on the day of monitoring is an important factor for the butterflies activity. Various species react differently on whether it is a bit cloudy or it is windy. Especially Large Heath (Coenonympha tullia) is still active in cloudy weather. Moreover the butterflies move around and the same individuals can be observed different times along the fixed route. The monitoring method can not on short term scale be used for showing changes in the population size. But the method is considered adequate for showing in which part of the monitoring area the species are actually present. In relation to the LIFE project it is relevant to show if the species in focus are still present in the habitats where they occurred before the LIFE project actions. It is also of big importance to show whether the species will colonize the restored areas or not. For further monitoring the following actions are recommended: monitoring of new study areas with different types of habitats (semi-dry areas and humid areas on which clearings of birch have taken place). Proposal for the new study areas can be seen in Appendix 3.4 monitoring of new areas should take place every 3rd year; monitoring in existing transect every 6th year. 25

26 4. References 1) Daniels, R.E. & Eddy, A Handbook of European Sphagna. - Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. 262 p. 2) Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser, Fagdatacenter for Biodiversitet og Terrestriske Naturdata, Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser Teknisk anvisning til overvågning af Mygblomst: knanvisn/ta_a33_mygblomst_v.1.0_dmu.pdf 3) Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser, Fagdatacenter for Biodiversitet og Terrestriske Naturdata, Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser. 2010: Teknisk anvisning til kortlægning af levesteder for vandhulsarter (padder, guldsmede og vandkalve): nanvisn/ta-op_vandhulsarter_v_1_2_dmu_27_5_01.pdf 4) Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser, Fagdatacenter for Biodiversitet og Terrestriske Naturdata, Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser Overvågning af bred vandkalv Dytiscus latissimus og lys skivevandkalv Graphoderus bilineatus. TA A05: nanvisn/taa05_vandkalve_v1_6_6_2011.pdf 5) Goldberg, I. & Plöger, E Baseline monitoring in the raised bog Holmegaards Mose Report for the Danish Forest and Nature Agency, Storstrøm. 6) Goldberg, I. & Plöger, E Baseline monitoring in the raised bog Holmegaards Mose Report for the Danish Forest and Nature Agency, Storstrøm. 7) Goldberg, I. & Plöger, E Monitoring of the raised bog Holmegaards Mose Report for the Danish Nature Agency, Storstrøm. 8) Gorham, E. & Rochefort, L Peatland restoration: A brief assessment with special reference to Sphagnum bogs. - Wetlands Ecology and Management 11: ) Holden, J. et al Artificial drainage of peatlands: hydrological and hydrochemical process and wetland restoration. - Progress in Physical Geography 28 (1): ) Holmen, M Overvågningsvandkalve: Oplæg til DMU fagmøde i Ebeltoft: 11) Laiho, R. et al The effect of forestry drainage on the vertical distribution of major plant nutrients in peat soils. - Plant and Soil 207: ) Miljøministeriet Oversigt over Habitatområdernes udpegningsgrundlag 31/ (Resultat af offentlig høring 25/6-20/8 2012). 26

27 13) Miljøministeriet, By- og Landskabsstyrelsen Forslag til Natura 2000-plan Holmegaards Mose. Del af Natura 2000-område nr Habitatområde 145: 14) Morgan-Jones, W. et al Characterisation of Hydrological Protection Zones at the Margins of Designated Lowland Raised Peat Bog Sites. JNCC Report No ) Naturdatabasen, Danmarks Miljøportal: 16) Naturstyrelsen LIFE08 NAT/DK/ Mid-term report covering the project activities from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2011. LIFE Holmegaards Mose. 17) Schumann, M. & Joosten, H Global Peatland Restoration Manual. - Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Greifswald University, Germany. 18) Storstrøms og Vestsjællands Amt Basisanalyse for Natura 2000-område nr. 163, Suså, Tystrup-Bavelse Sø, Slagmosen, Holmegårds Mose og Porsmose. 19) Sundström, E. et al Nutrient conditions in drained peatlands along a north south climatic gradient in Sweden. - Forest Ecology and Management 126: ) Vasander, H. et al Status and restoration of peatlands in Northern Europe. Wetlands Ecology and Management 11:

28 Appendix 1. Vegetation Appendix 1.1. Map of study areas cm = 65 m 28

29 Appendix 1.2. Map of transects cm = 50 m 29

30 Appendix 1.3. Study area 1 Plots Species Shrubs Erica tetralix 1 1 Trees and bushes Acer campestre 1 Acer pseudoplatanus Alnus glutinosa Betula pubescens Corylus avellana 1 Fagus sylvatica 1 Frangula alnus Fraxinus excelsior Myrica gale Quercus robur 1 1 Rosa sp. 1 Salix cinerea Salix pentandra Salix repens var. argentea 1 1 Sorbus aucuparia 1 Sorbus intermedia 1 Viburnum opulus 1 1 Other vascular plants Agrostis canina Agrostis stolonifera 1 1 Athyrium felix-femina 1 Calamagrostis canescens Cardamine pratensis Carex appropinquata Carex elata Carex elongata 1 Carex lasiocarpa Carex lepidocarpa ssp. lepidocarpa 1 1 Carex nigra var. nigra Carex panicea Carex paniculata 1 Carex pseudocyperus 1 Carex rostrata Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare var. vulgare 1 Cirsium oleraceum Cirsium palustre Comarum palustre Crepis paludosa 1 1 Deschampsia caespitosa 1 1 Deschampsia flexuosa Drosera rotundifolia 1 Dryopteris carthusiana Epilobium palustre 1 1 Epipactis palustris 1 Equisetum fluviatile Eriophorum angustifolium 1 1 Eupatorium cannabinum Galium palustre

31 Galium uliginosum Geranium robertianum 1 1 Geum rivale 1 Impatiens noli-tangere 1 Juncus alpinoarticulatus ssp. alpinoarticulatus 1 1 Juncus articulatus 1 Juncus effusus 1 Lycopus europaeus Lysimachia vulgaris Mentha aquatica Menyanthes trifoliata Molinia caerulea Mycelis muralis 1 Oxalis acetosella 1 Peucedanum palustre Phragmites australis Poa trivialis 1 1 Potentilla erecta Rubus ideaus Solanum dulcamara 1 1 Succisa pratensis Taraxacum sp. 1 Triglochin palustris 1 1 Urtica dioica Vaccinium oxycoccos 1 1 Valeriana dioica Viola sp. 1 Bryophytes and lichens Amblystegium serpens 1 1 Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium rutabulum Bryum pseudotriquetrum 1 1 Calliergon giganteum Calliergonella cuspidata Campylium elodes 1 1 Campylium protensum Campylium stellatum 1 1 Eurhynchium striatum 1 Fontinalis antipyretica 1 1 Hypnum cupressiforme 1 Leptodictyum riparium 1 Limprichtia cossonii Mnium hornum Plagiomnium elatum Plagiomnium ellipticum 1 Plagiomnium undulatum 1 1 Rhizomnium punctatum 1 Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus 1 Scleropodium purum Thuidium tamariscinum 1 Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum squarrosum 1 Sphagnum subnitens 1 1 Chiloscyphus sp. 1 Pellia sp. 1 Cladonia sp. 1 31

32 Structural parameters Tørvemosser, m ,5 0,2 0 0,5 0,5 Blåtop, m 2 0,1 0, Stjerne-Bredribbe, m Birk, m ,5 Tuer / høljer, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Slidskader, m Blankt vand, % < Dværgbuske, % 0 0 <1 < <1 <1 Vedplanter < 1m, % Vedplanter >1m, % <

33 Appendix 1.4. Study area 2, plots 1-5 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum Trees and bushes Betula pendula Betula pubescens Frangula alnus 1 Myrica gale Quercus rubra Salix aurita Sorbus aucuparia 1 Other vascular plants Agrostis canina Carex elata Carex lasiocarpa Carex nigra var. nigra Carex panicea Carex viridula var. pulchella Comarum palustre Deschampsia caespitosa Drosera rotundifolia Dryopteris carthusiana Dryopteris sp. Epilobium angustifolium 1 Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Galium palustre Juncus effusus Molinia caerulea Paucedanum palustre Potentilla erecta Rumex acetosella 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum 1 1 Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium mildeanum Brachythecium rutabulum 1 1 Calliergonella cuspidata Campylopus flexuosus 1 Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis Dicranum polysetum 1 Dicranum scoparium Herzogiella seligeri Hypnum cupressiforme

34 Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum 1 Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum formosum 1 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum Polytrichum strictum Scleropodium purum 1 1 Tetraphis pellucida Sphagnum contortum Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum 1 Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia Cephalozia sp Chiloscyphus sp. Odontoschisma sphagni Hepaticopsida indet Cladonia sp Structural parameters Tørvemosser, m ,6 1,5 5,5 35 Blåtop, m Stjerne-Bredribbe, m 2 1 0, ,2 0,1 2,5 0,1 0,2 0,01 Birk, m , Tuer / høljer, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Slidskader, m Blankt vand, % 0 <1 0 <1 0 < Dværgbuske, % Vedplanter < 1m, % Vedplanter >1m, % <1 < <1 0 0 <1 <1 34

35 Appendix 1.4. Study area 2, plots 6-10 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 1 Trees and bushes Betula pendula 1 Betula pubescens Frangula alnus 1 Myrica gale 1 1 Quercus rubra 1 Salix aurita 1 1 Sorbus aucuparia Other vascular plants Agrostis canina 1 1 Carex elata 1 1 Carex lasiocarpa 1 1 Carex nigra var. nigra 1 1 Carex panicea 1 1 Carex viridula var. pulchella 1 Comarum palustre 1 1 Deschampsia caespitosa 1 1 Drosera rotundifolia 1 1 Dryopteris carthusiana 1 1 Dryopteris sp. 1 Epilobium angustifolium 1 1 Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Galium palustre 1 Juncus effusus 1 Molinia caerulea Paucedanum palustre 1 1 Potentilla erecta 1 1 Rumex acetosella Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum 1 Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium mildeanum 1 Brachythecium rutabulum Calliergonella cuspidata 1 1 Campylopus flexuosus Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis Dicranum polysetum 1 1 Dicranum scoparium 1 1 Herzogiella seligeri 1 Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum

36 Pleurozium schreberi 1 1 Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum formosum Polytrichastrum longisetum Polytrichum strictum Scleropodium purum 1 Tetraphis pellucida 1 Sphagnum contortum 1 1 Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum 1 Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia 1 Cephalozia sp. Chiloscyphus sp. 1 Odontoschisma sphagni 1 Hepaticopsida indet. 1 1 Cladonia sp Structural parameters Tørvemosser, m , ,4 1,5 Blåtop, m 2 0, , Stjerne-Bredribbe, m 2 0,5 0, ,01 1 0,1 5 0,1 Birk, m , Tuer / høljer, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 77/1 77 /1 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Slidskader, m Blankt vand, % 0 <1 0 < <1 0 0 Dværgbuske, % <1 < Vedplanter < 1m, % Vedplanter >1m, %

37 Appendix 1.5. Study area 3, plots 1-5 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia 1 Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 1 Trees and bushes Alnus glutinosa Betula pubescens Frangula alnus 1 Myrica gale Quercus robur Salix aurita 1 1 Salix cinerea 1 1 Other vascular plants Carex echinata 1 Carex lasiocarpa Carex nigra var. nigra 1 1 Carex rostrata Drosera intermedia Drosera rotundifolia Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Juncus articulatus Lysimachia thyrsiflora Menyanthes trifoliata Molinia caerulea Phragmites australis 1 1 Potentilla erecta 1 Rhynchospora alba 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Amblystegium serpens 1 Aulacomnium androgynum 1 Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium rutabulum Campylopus introflexus 1 Campylopus pyriformis Dicranum polysetum 1 Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum 1 1 Pleurozium schreberi 1 1 Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum formosum Polytrichastrum longisetum Polytrichum strictum 1 1 Warnstorfia fluitans 1 1 Sphagnum angustifolium 1 37

38 Sphagnum auriculatum 1 Sphagnum centrale 1 Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum flexuosum 1 Sphagnum inundatum 1 1 Sphagnum magellanicum 1 1 Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii 1 1 Sphagnum squarrosum Sphagnum subnitens Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia 1 Cephalozia sp. 1 Chiloscyphus sp. 1 Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cladonia sp. 1 Structural parameters Tørvemosser, m Blåtop, m Stjerne-Bredribbe, m 2 0 0, Birk, m , Tuer / høljer, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Slidskader, m Blankt vand, % <1 <1 0 < Dværgbuske, % Vedplanter < 1m, % Vedplanter >1m, %

39 Appendix 1.5. Study area 3, plots 6-10 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum 1 Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum Trees and bushes Alnus glutinosa 1 Betula pubescens Frangula alnus 1 1 Myrica gale Quercus robur 1 Salix aurita 1 Salix cinerea Other vascular plants Carex echinata 1 1 Carex lasiocarpa 1 1 Carex nigra var. nigra Carex rostrata Drosera intermedia 1 Drosera rotundifolia Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Juncus articulatus 1 Lysimachia thyrsiflora 1 1 Menyanthes trifoliata Molinia caerulea Phragmites australis Potentilla erecta Rhynchospora alba 1 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Amblystegium serpens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium rutabulum 1 1 Campylopus introflexus 1 1 Campylopus pyriformis Dicranum polysetum Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans 1 Polytrichastrum formosum 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum 1 Polytrichum strictum Warnstorfia fluitans Sphagnum angustifolium Sphagnum auriculatum 1 1 Sphagnum centrale 1 39

40 Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum flexuosum Sphagnum inundatum 1 Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum 1 1 Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum squarrosum Sphagnum subnitens Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia Cephalozia sp. Chiloscyphus sp. Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cladonia sp Structural parameters Tørvemosser, m Blåtop, m ,2 0,5 Stjerne-Bredribbe, m 2 0 0, , Birk, m 2 4 0, ,5 2 0,2 Tuer / høljer, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Slidskader, m Blankt vand, % <1 0 <1 Dværgbuske, % 0 < Vedplanter < 1m, % Vedplanter >1m, % <1 40

41 Appendix 1.6. Study area 4, plots 1-5 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia 1 1 Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum Vaccinium vitis-idaea Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Frangula alnus Myrica gale Quercus robur Salix aurita Sorbus aucuparia 1 Other vascular plants Calamagrostis canescens Carex flava complex Carex nigra var. nigra 1 1 Carex rostrata Cirsium palustre Deschampsia flexuosa 1 Dryopteris carthusiana 1 Epilobium sp. 1 Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Hypochoeris radicata Juncus articulatus Juncus bufonius Luzula multiflora Molinia caerulea Poa annua Ranunculus repens 1 Rhynchospora alba Rubus ideaus 1 Senecio sp. Taraxacum sp. Vaccinium oxycoccos 1 1 Bryophytes and lichens Atrichum undulatum Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Barbula unguiculata 1 Brachythecium rutabulum 1 1 Bryum sp. Campylopus flexuosus Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis Ceratodon purpureus Dicranum scoparium

42 Didymodon fallax 1 Funaria hygrometrica 1 Herzogiella seligeri Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum 1 Orthodontium lineare Phascum cuspidatum 1 Plagiothecium curvifolium Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans 1 1 Polytrichastrum formosum 1 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum inundatum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum russowii 1 1 Sphagnum squarrosum Sphagnum subnitens Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cephalozia sp. Marchantia latifolia 1 Cladonia sp Structural parameters Peat mosses, m ,6 0,6 0 0, ,01 Molinia caerulea, m Campylopus introflexus, m 2 0,2 0,01 0,01 0,01 0 0, ,2 0,2 Birch, m 2 0,1 0, ,5 1 0,2 0,01 0,5 Hummocks / pools, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % 0 < Shrubs, % 5 5 <1 <1 3 3 <1 <1 5 3 Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % < <1 7 Trees / bushes > 1m tall, %

43 Appendix 1.6. Study area 4, plots 6-10 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 Vaccinium vitis-idaea 1 Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Frangula alnus Myrica gale Quercus robur 1 1 Salix aurita 1 1 Sorbus aucuparia Other vascular plants Calamagrostis canescens 1 Carex flava complex 1 Carex nigra var. nigra Carex rostrata 1 Cirsium palustre 1 Deschampsia flexuosa Dryopteris carthusiana 1 Epilobium sp. 1 Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Hypochoeris radicata 1 Juncus articulatus 1 Juncus bufonius 1 Luzula multiflora 1 Molinia caerulea Poa annua 1 Ranunculus repens Rhynchospora alba 1 Rubus ideaus Senecio sp. 1 Taraxacum sp. 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos 1 1 Bryophytes and lichens Atrichum undulatum 1 Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre 1 1 Barbula unguiculata Brachythecium rutabulum 1 1 Bryum sp. 1 Campylopus flexuosus 1 Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis Ceratodon purpureus 1 1 Dicranum scoparium Didymodon fallax Funaria hygrometrica 43

44 Herzogiella seligeri 1 Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum 1 Orthodontium lineare 1 1 Phascum cuspidatum Plagiothecium curvifolium 1 1 Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans 1 1 Polytrichastrum formosum 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum inundatum 1 Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum 1 Sphagnum russowii 1 1 Sphagnum squarrosum 1 Sphagnum subnitens 1 1 Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cephalozia sp. 1 Marchantia latifolia Cladonia sp. 1 1 Structural parameters Peat mosses, m 2 0 0,5 0 0, ,5 0 0 Molinia caerulea, m Campylopus introflexus, m , ,1 0,01 0 0,01 Birch, m ,5 0, ,3 Hummocks / pools, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % <1 < Shrubs, % 10 < <1 0 <1 Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % < < Trees / bushes > 1m tall, % <1 44

45 Appendix 1.7. Study area 5, plots 1-5 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum 1 1 Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Frangula alnus Quercus robur 1 Salix aurita 1 Salix sp. 1 Sorbus aucuparia Other vascular plants Agrostis canina Agrostis capillaris Anthoxanthum odoratum 1 Anthriscus sylvestris 1 Calamagrostis canescens Calamagrostis epigeios Carex elata 1 Carex hirta 1 Carex lasiocarpa 1 Carex nigra var. nigra 1 1 Carex panicea Carex pilulifera Carex rostrata 1 Carex viridula var. pulchella 1 1 Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare Cirsium palustre 1 1 Cladium mariscus 1 Comarum palustre Deschampsia caespitosa Deschampsia flexuosa Drosera rotundifolia Dryoteris carthusiana Dryopteris sp. 1 Epilobium angustifolium 1 Equisetum palustre Eriophorum angustifolium 1 Eriophorum vaginatum 1 Galium mollugo 1 Galium palustre 1 1 Galium uliginosum Holcus lanatus Juncus articulatus Juncus effusus Luzula multiflora Moehringia trinervia 45

46 Molinia caerulea Oxalis acetosella 1 Poa pratensis Potentilla erecta Rubus ideaus Rumex acetosella Stellaria graminea Taraxacum sp. 1 Urtica dioica 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos 1 1 Veronica chamaedris 1 Viola sp. 1 1 Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre 1 Brachythecium rutabulum 1 Bryum pseudotriquetrum Calliergonella cuspidata Campylium polygamum 1 1 Campylium protensum 1 1 Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis 1 1 Dicranum scoparium Eurhynchium striatum 1 Fissidens adianthoides 1 Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Plagiomnium affine 1 Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum formosum Polytrichastrum longisetum Scleropodium purum 1 1 Straminergon stramineum Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum palustre 1 1 Sphagnum rubellum 1 Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens 1 1 Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia Cephalozia sp. Hepaticopsida indet. Cladonia sp Structural parameters Peat mosses, m Molinia caerulea, m Campylopus introflexus, m 2 0,3 0,01 1 0,01 2 0,01 1 0,01 0,2 0 Birch, m 2 0,01 0,2 0,01 0 0,5 2 0, Hummocks / pools, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Amount of wear and tear, m , , Open water surface, % <1 <1 0 <1 Shrubs, % 0 0 <1 < Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 5 <1 3 <1 <1 Trees / bushes > 1m tall, % <

47 Appendix 1.7. Study area 5, plots 6-10 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia 1 1 Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 1 Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Frangula alnus 1 Quercus robur 1 1 Salix aurita 1 1 Salix sp. Sorbus aucuparia 1 1 Other vascular plants Agrostis canina Agrostis capillaris 1 1 Anthoxanthum odoratum Anthriscus sylvestris Calamagrostis canescens 1 Calamagrostis epigeios 1 Carex elata Carex hirta Carex lasiocarpa 1 Carex nigra var. nigra 1 Carex panicea Carex pilulifera Carex rostrata 1 Carex viridula var. pulchella Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare 1 Cirsium palustre Cladium mariscus Comarum palustre 1 Deschampsia caespitosa 1 Deschampsia flexuosa Drosera rotundifolia 1 Dryoteris carthusiana 1 1 Dryopteris sp. 1 Epilobium angustifolium Equisetum palustre 1 Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Galium mollugo Galium palustre Galium uliginosum Holcus lanatus 1 Juncus articulatus Juncus effusus 1 1 Luzula multiflora 1 Moehringia trinervia 1 Molinia caerulea Oxalis acetosella 47

48 Poa pratensis 1 Potentilla erecta 1 Rubus ideaus 1 1 Rumex acetosella 1 Stellaria graminea 1 1 Taraxacum sp. Urtica dioica Vaccinium oxycoccos Veronica chamaedris Viola sp. Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium rutabulum Bryum pseudotriquetrum Calliergonella cuspidata Campylium polygamum Campylium protensum Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis Dicranum scoparium 1 1 Eurhynchium striatum Fissidens adianthoides Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Plagiomnium affine Pleurozium schreberi 1 1 Pohlia nutans 1 Polytrichastrum formosum 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum Scleropodium purum Straminergon stramineum 1 1 Sphagnum cuspidatum 1 Sphagnum fallax 1 1 Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii 1 1 Sphagnum subnitens 1 Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia 1 Cephalozia sp. 1 Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cladonia sp Structural parameters Peat mosses, m ,5 2, , Molinia caerulea, m Campylopus introflexus, m 2 0,5 0 0,5 0,01 0,1 0 0,1 0 1,5 0 Birch, m 2 0 0,1 0,01 0,1 0 0, Hummocks / pools, m 2 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 0 / 0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % < <1 Shrubs, % Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % 0 <1 <1 3 0 < Trees / bushes > 1m tall, % <1 30 <1 48

49 Appendix 1.8. Study area 6, plots 1-5 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Other vascular plants Carex rostrata Comarum palustre Drosera intermedia 1 Drosera rotundifolia Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Molinia caerulea Potentilla erecta Rhynchospora alba Trichophorum cespitosum Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum 1 Aulacomnium palustre Campylopus introflexus 1 Dicranum scoparium 1 Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum 1 Pleurozium schreberi Polytrichastrum formosum 1 Warnstorfia fluitans 2011 Sphagnum angustifolium Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum fuscum Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum palustre 1 1 Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens 1 Sphagnum tenellum Cephalozia sp. 1 1 Mylia anomala 1 1 Odontoschisma sphagni 1 Hepaticopsida indet. 1 1 Cladina sp Cladonia sp

50 Structural parameters Peat mosses, m Molinia caerulea, m 2 0 0, ,01 0,1 0 0 Campylopus introflexus, m ,01 Birch, m 2 3 0, ,01 0,1 Hummocks / pools, m 2 0/0 0/0 76/2 76/2 75/3 75/3 0/0 0/0 77/1 77/1 Amount of wear and tear, m 2 0 0, Open water surface, % 0 0 <1 0 < Shrubs, % Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % <1 0 < <1 <1 Trees / bushes > 1m tall, % <1 0 <

51 Appendix 1.8. Study area 6, plots 6-10 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Other vascular plants Carex rostrata 1 Comarum palustre 1 Drosera intermedia Drosera rotundifolia Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Molinia caerulea Potentilla erecta 1 Rhynchospora alba 1 1 Trichophorum cespitosum 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Campylopus introflexus 1 1 Dicranum scoparium 1 Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Pleurozium schreberi Polytrichastrum formosum Warnstorfia fluitans 1 Sphagnum angustifolium 1 1 Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum fuscum 1 1 Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii 1 Sphagnum subnitens 1 1 Sphagnum tenellum 1 1 Cephalozia sp. Mylia anomala 1 Odontoschisma sphagni 1 1 Hepaticopsida indet Cladina sp. Cladonia sp

52 Structural parameters Peat mosses, m Molinia caerulea, m , ,5 0 1 Campylopus introflexus, m ,01 0 0,01 Birch, m , ,1 0,1 Hummocks / pools, m 2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 65/15 65/15 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % <1 <1 0 0 <1 0 Shrubs, % Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % <1 1 Trees / bushes > 1m tall, % <

53 Appendix 1.9. Transect 1, plots 2-9 Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia 1 Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Frangula alnus Myrica gale Picea sitchensis Quercus robur 1 1 Salix aurita Salix repens var. repens Sorbus aucuparia 1 Other vascular plants Agrostis capillaris Calamagrostis canescens Carex canescens 1 Carex lasiocarpa 1 Carex nigra var. nigra 1 Carex rostrata Deschampsia flexuosa 1 1 Drosera rotundifolia Dryopteris carthusiana 1 1 Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Luzula multiflora Molinia caerulea Potentilla erecta 1 1 Rubus fruticosus coll. Rumex acetosella Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium rutabulum 1 1 Calliergonella cuspidata Campylopus flexuosus 1 Campylopus introflexus 1 Campylopus pyriformis Ceratodon purpureus Dicranum bonjeanii 1 1 Dicranum polysetum Dicranum scoparium Eurhynchium striatum 1 Herzogiella seligeri Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum 1 1 Orthodontium lineare 1 Oxyrrhynchium praelongum 1 53

54 Plagiothecium curvifoilum Plagiothecium latebricola Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum formosum 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum Polytrichum juniperinum Sclreopodium purum 1 1 Tetraphis pellulcida 1 1 Sphagnum capillifolium Sphagnum cuspidatum Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum flexuosum Sphagnum magellanicum 1 Sphagnum majus Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum 1 Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii 1 Sphagnum subnitens 1 Sphagnum squarrosum Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia 1 Cephalozia sp. 1 Marchantia polymorpha 1 Hepaticopsida indet. Cladonia sp Structural parameters Peat mosses, m 2 0,3 0, ,1 1 0, ,5 0,3 0,1 0,1 0,5 0,1 0,8 Molinia caerulea, m Campylopus introflexus, m , Birch, m ,1 75 0,1 60 0,5 50 0,5 60 0, , Hummocks / pools, m 2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % 0 < <1 0 <1 0 <1 0 <1 0 <1 0 0 Shrubs, % <1 < Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % 2 1 < <1 3 <1 10 Trees - bushes >1m tall, % <

55 Appendix 1.9. Transect 1, plots Plots Species Shrubs Andromeda polyfolia Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Vaccinium uliginosum 1 Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Frangula alnus Myrica gale Picea sitchensis Quercus robur 1 1 Salix aurita Salix repens var. repens 1 1 Sorbus aucuparia 1 Other vascular plants Agrostis capillaris 1 Calamagrostis canescens 1 Carex canescens Carex lasiocarpa Carex nigra var. nigra Carex rostrata Deschampsia flexuosa Drosera rotundifolia 1 Dryopteris carthusiana Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Luzula multiflora 1 Molinia caerulea Potentilla erecta 1 Rubus fruticosus coll. 1 Rumex acetosella 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium rutabulum Calliergonella cuspidata 1 Campylopus flexuosus Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis Ceratodon purpureus 1 Dicranum bonjeanii Dicranum polysetum Dicranum scoparium Eurhynchium striatum Herzogiella seligeri Hypnum cupressiforme Leucobryum glaucum Mnium hornum Orthodontium lineare 1 1 Oxyrrhynchium praelongum 1 55

56 Plagiothecium curvifoilum Plagiothecium latebricola Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum formosum Polytrichastrum longisetum Polytrichum juniperinum 1 1 Sclreopodium purum 1 Tetraphis pellulcida Sphagnum capillifolium Sphagnum cuspidatum 1 1 Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum flexuosum 1 1 Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum majus 1 1 Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum papillosum Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens 1 Sphagnum squarrosum Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia Cephalozia sp. Marchantia polymorpha Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cladonia sp Structural parameters Peat mosses, m 2 0,1 1,5 0,2 0,6 0,5 0,2 0,1 1 0,2 1 3,5 2, Molinia caerulea, m Campylopus introflexus, m ,01 0,01 0, ,1 0,01 Birch, m Hummocks / pools, m 2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % < <1 0 <1 0 < Shrubs, % Trees / bushes < 1m tall, % < <1 5 < Trees - bushes >1m tall, % <1 70 <1 50 <1 25 <

57 Appendix Transect 2, plots 1-8 Plots Species Shrubs Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Myrica gale Picea abies Quercus robur Salix aurita 1 1 Other vascular plants Carex paniculata Deschampsia flexuosa 1 Dryopteris carthusiana Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Molinia caerulea Rubus idaeus Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium sp. 1 Calliergonella cuspidata Campylopus introflexus Campylopus pyriformis 1 Dicranum polysetum 1 Dicranum scoparium Hypnum cupressiforme Mnium hornum Orthodontium lineare 1 Plagiothecium curvifoilum 1 Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans 1 1 Polytrichastrum longisetum 1 1 Polytrichum strictum Sclreopodium purum 1 1 Tetraphis pellulcida Sphagnum angustifolium Sphagnum capillifolium 1 1 Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum magellanicum Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens 1 Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia 1 Calypogeia sp. 1 1 Cephalozia sp. 1 1 Hepaticopsida indet. 1 Cladonia sp

58 Structural parameters Pear mosses, m 2 0,4 0, Molinia caerulea, m , ,1 2 1, ,1 0 5 Campylopus introflexus, m 2 1,5 0, ,01 0 Birch, m , ,5 70 0,5 60 0,5 60 2,5 50 0, Hummocks / pools, m 2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % < <1 0 <1 Shrubs, % Trees / bushes <1m tall,% <1 5 <1 20 <1 5 <1 1 <1 <1 1 3 <1 <1 <1 1 Trees - bushes >1m tall,% < < <1 58

59 Appendix Transect 2, plots 9-16 Species Shrubs Calluna vulgaris Empetrum nigrum Erica tetralix Trees and bushes Betula pubescens Myrica gale 1 1 Picea abies Quercus robur 1 Salix aurita 1 1 Other vascular plants Carex paniculata 1 1 Deschampsia flexuosa 1 1 Dryopteris carthusiana Eriophorum angustifolium Eriophorum vaginatum Molinia caerulea Rubus idaeus 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Bryophytes and lichens Aulacomnium androgynum Aulacomnium palustre Brachythecium sp. Calliergonella cuspidata 1 1 Campylopus introflexus 1 1 Campylopus pyriformis 1 Dicranum polysetum Dicranum scoparium Hypnum cupressiforme Mnium hornum 1 Orthodontium lineare 1 Plagiothecium curvifoilum Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia nutans Polytrichastrum longisetum Polytrichum strictum 1 1 Sclreopodium purum 1 Tetraphis pellulcida 1 1 Sphagnum angustifolium Sphagnum capillifolium Sphagnum fallax Sphagnum fimbriatum Sphagnum magellanicum 1 1 Sphagnum palustre Sphagnum rubellum Sphagnum russowii Sphagnum subnitens Sphagnum sect. 1 59

60 Acutifolia Calypogeia sp. Cephalozia sp. 1 Hepaticopsida indet. Cladonia sp. 1 Structural parameters Pear mosses, m ,4 0,1 Molinia caerulea, m ,1 4 0, Campylopus introflexus, m , , Birch, m ,1 76 0, Hummocks / pools, m 2 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 Amount of wear and tear, m Open water surface, % <1 <1 0 <1 < <1 0 < Shrubs, % <1 < <1 < Trees/bushes<1m tall, % <1 10 <1 20 <1 10 < <1 2 <1 < Trees/bushes>1m tall, % < <1 90 <

61 Appendix 2. A water beetle Graphoderus bilineatus 61

62 Appendix 3. Butterflies Appendix 3.1. Map of fixed-route walk for monitoring of butterflies 62

63 Appendix 3.2. Butterfly species recorded in the transect on the 17th of June 2013 Point / section number Durance (min) Boloria aqilonaris Coenonympha tullia Plebeius idas Plebeius optilete Aglais urticae Gonepteryx rhamni Pieris rapae Pieris brassicae Pieris napi Aphantopus hyperantus Maniola jurtina Coenonympha pamphilus Polyommatu s icarus Celastrina argiolus Ochlodes sylvanus Diacrisia sannio Ematurga atomaria Total number of counts Counts in June

64 Appendix 3.3. Butterfly species recorded in the transect on the 15th of July 2013 Point / section number Durance (min) Boloria aqilonaris Coenonympha tullia Plebeius idas Plebeius optilete Aglais urticae Gonepteryx rhamni Pieris rapae Pieris brassicae Pieris napi Aphantopus hyperantus Maniola jurtina Coenonympha pamphilus Polyommatus icarus Celastrina argiolus Ochlodes sylvanus Diacrisia sannio Total number of counts Counts in July Counts in July Counts in July

65 Appendix 3.4. New areas proposed for butterfly monitoring 65

66 Appendix 3.5. Distribution of butterflies Cranberry Fritillary (Boloria aquilonaris) Cranberry Blue (Plebeius optilete) 66