Current status
Baltic bog-moss grows in oligotrophic to slightly mesotrophic raised bogs or, more rarely, blanket bogs. It is a species of wet parts of the bog, often partly or completely submerged or growing as a floating mat. Recent research suggests that it is a poor competitor and may be a rather mobile colonist species, replaced as bog pools fill up with other Sphagnum species. It is mainly a lowland species, but reaches an altitude of 650 m in Scotland.
This species has been recorded from seven widely scattered sites in England, Scotland and Wales (Cheshire, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Ceredigion (Cardiganshire), Aberdeenshire, Dumfriesshire and Abernethy Forest in Inverness-shire). The Welsh record, from old peat cuttings, may need checking; it has not been seen there since 1967 and a survey in 1998 recorded only Sphagnum fallax. Nor has it been seen for over a century at the Cheshire site. It has apparently disappeared from two of its Scottish locations (Loch Muick and Racks Moss, the latter due to afforestation). Elsewhere, it is found across much of lowland northern Europe, extending south to the Alps and Yugoslavia. It is also found in northern Asia, North America and Greenland.
In Great Britain this species is provisionally classified as Endangered and is specially protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is not threatened in Europe as a whole.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Direct afforestation and afforestation in the vicinity of Baltic bog-moss sites with associated effects on the acidity of run-off water and site hydrology.
Peat cutting and associated effects on site hydrology.
Drainage of its peatland sites.
Inappropriate collecting of Sphagnum for horticultural purposes is a potential threat to this species.
Current action
This species has been recorded at three sites since 1970, two of which are protected as SSSIs or NNRs. The Welsh site is also within an NNR and is a proposed SAC.
An SNH survey in 1995 failed to find the species at its two known Scottish localities, but it was discovered in Abernethy in 1997.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations of this species at all extant sites.
Establish by 2005 ex situ stocks of this species to safeguard extant populations.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Site safeguard and management
Assess the threat to this species at each extant site posed by indiscriminate collecting of Sphagnum for horticultural purposes. (ACTION: CCW, NE, LAs, SNH)
Ensure that management plans or agreements on all SSSIs at which Baltic bog-moss occurs take into account the requirements of this species. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Species management and protection
Depending on the results of 5.5.5, establish ex situ stocks of this species from material derived from British populations. (ACTION: NE, CCW, RBG Kew, SNH)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence and importance of this species, specific management for its conservation, and any potentially damaging actions. Landowners and managers should have access to specialist advice if needed. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Future Research and Monitoring
By 2005, collate existing data, undertake a comprehensive survey of extant and former sites (and potential sites in the vicinity of these sites), and assess threats at extant sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Commission research into the habitat requirements of Baltic bog-moss. The findings should be used to inform conservation management of this species. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
Undertake regular monitoring at all extant sites in order to record changes in population size and habitat and water quality. A review of threats at each site should be made during each visit. (ACTION: CCW, EA, NE, SNH)
Undertake pilot studies to develop and refine ex situ conservation techniques for this species and other threatened bryophytes. (ACTION: NE, CCW, RBG Kew, SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Encourage bryologists to pass all records of Baltic bog-moss, including ecological information, to a national database. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
Liaise with specialist societies to increase the awareness and identification skills of bryologists and other naturalists in relation to this species, through publishing articles or holding identification workshops (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
If the action outlined under 5.2.2 identifies a significant threat to this species from moss collecting, address this threat through appropriate measures which may include discussion with local horticulturists, leafleting local people, and on-site signs to explain the problem and the legal implications. (ACTION: CCW, NE, LAs, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Sphagnum balticum:
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume III: Plants and fungi (February 1999, Tranche 2, Vol III, p271)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species
Plantlife Read the Plantlife species dossier relating to this species