Easter Inch Moss

A peat bog which forms an important habitat, Easter Inch Moss lies a half-mile (1 km) northeast of Blackburn and a mile (1.5 km southeast of Bathgate in West Lothian. The site is recovering from years of commercial peat extraction and drainage. Efforts have been made to restore the bog with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot). This has involved raising water levels by constructing dams and removing birch scrub. Noted for its biodiversity, the moss includes many rare plant species, together with reed bunting, short-eared Owl, pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly and Great Crested Newt. Brown Hare can be found in open areas and Roe Deer often take cover in the woodlands.

Along with the adjacent Seafield Law, Easter Inch Moss forms West Lothian's first Local Nature Reserve, which extends to 143 ha (353 acres) and was designated in 2007. The reserve also forms a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).


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