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What to See >> Peatlands
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Large parts of Caithness are covered by a blanket of deep peat
known as blanket bog. The peatlands or Flow Country are of
international importance and have recently been proposed as a
World Heritage Site.
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The wet landscape is dominated by heather, bog cotton, bog moss
and a range of interesting plants including the insect-eating
sundew. Black-throated divers breed on a number of the larger
freshwater lochs and red-throated divers on the myriad of smaller
peatland lochs (dubh lochans). Other special birds which feed
and/or breed on the peatlands include hen harrier, golden eagle,
merlin, peregrine, golden plover, dunlin and greenshank.
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Where
Many of the birds and plants can be seen at RSPB Forsinard Reserve
and also on guided walks on RSPB Blar nam Faoileag Reserve and on
Munsary Reserve managed by Plantlife UK. Watch out for peatland
birds as you travel through the peatlands from Latheron to Thurso
(A9) and from Dunnet to Dunnet Head (B855). Park in a safe place
and use your car as a hide.
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When
The peatlands are at their best for birds from late March until
early July and for flowering plants from June until August.
Welcome to one of the last remaining unspoilt areas in Great
Britain. The peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland, sometimes
known as the 'Flow Country' are amongst the finest and most
extensive examples of blanket bog found anywhere in the world.
Although over half of Caithness and Sutherland is covered by
blanket bog, the habitat is scarce in global terms. In recognition of the nature
conservation importance of the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands,
large parts of the area are protected.
Many people who visit Caithness and Sutherland do so because of
the magnificent scenery and wildlife. For many, the thrill of
seeing a black-throated diver or golden eagle, is enough to tempt
them back year after year. Others come for the fresh air, solitude
and quality of life.
Whatever your reason for travelling north, we
hope you find time to explore this unique part of Great Britain.
By visiting the area and using the local facilities you are
helping to bolster the fragile economy of this remote area.
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