Saut and the Bog Flower Saga

The publication by SRWT of minutes of the "Blacka Moor Users Forum" meeting of 17th May reminds me of what I said at the time about the bog flowers and the path across Cowsick Bog. The minutes are not 100% accurate about what I said but probably as good as one could expect. SRWT's manager had brought up their intention of using large flagstones on the paths to prevent habitat damage. I had pointed out that the work of installing had already caused damage itself. He pointed to some small shoots which he claimed to be newly emerging asphodel shoots. I didn't argue with this, not being sure that what looked initially like coarse grass shoots might turn out to be just what he said.

I had previously pointed out that in several recent years cows had wandered across the bog and made a complete mess of an area which once displayed a wonderful array of bog flowers. My message was clear: that management in various forms had done nothing for the natural beauty here and often quite the reverse.

Well, I've been watching those shoots to see how they will develop. Cows have wandered over as in past years, have left their distinctive appetizing marks over the path itself and have put their heavy stamp on the soft boggy ground to the side (something the trust likes to claim is good for invertebrates).

Evidence of cows' presence is not confined to waste products and ground upheaval. Their attention to grasses and other vegetation can also be seen especially on the edges of paths.

But in this case it is the shoots I've been told are of the bog asphodel plant that have been cropped.

I'm still not absolutely convinced that these shoots are as claimed as I usually await the appearance of the stalks before identifying these flowers from mid July. It's certainly possible. **

But if they are as told then perhaps we should be concerned not just for the flowers being damaged but also for the welfare of the livestock. Lambs are these days often kept off land where bog asphodel is present because of Saut. This is a poison caused by the plant that affects the kidneys. Lambs ears and wool are affected and it also causes problems with cattle.

More information in the links below.

http://farmnw.co.uk/news/saut_disease_are_you_affected_and_looking_for_answers


http://www.nfu-cymru.org.uk/business/environment/bog-asphodel-and-saut-lamb/

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** 29th July
A small flower stalk has now emerged confirming the identification. See picture and evidence that cows have been eating the leaves.