Portmoak Moss, Scotlandwell

Description

Portmoak Moss (also known as Portmoak Community Woodland) is a fascinating and unusual raised peat bog that can be enjoyed by everyone thanks to many delightful paths. The Moss is managed by the Woodland Trust Scotland and the Portmoak Community Woodland Group.

The walk through Portmoak Moss is approximately 2km (1.25 miles) on a well laid path. For those wishing to go off the beaten path there are other tracks that can be walked, with care, for a better chance of seeing the wildlife and the deeper peat layers.

In the Middle Ages, Portmoak was part of a much larger uncultivated wetland bordering Loch Leven. The area provided peat, turf and pasture for local communities at Kinnesswood and Scotlandwell. At the time, local residents had the right to cut peat for fuel and the practice is well documented from the 17th to the 20th centuries, when it finally died out. The legacy of this activity is a vertical wall of peat, up to 2.5 metres high, that is exposed round much of the site. Over the years continued peat growth has elevated the bog surface to form a gently curving dome from which the term 'raised bog' is derived.

Lowland raised bog is now one of Europe's most threatened habitats and is home to amazing plants such as sundews and bladderworts, both of which supplement their diet with extra minerals by trapping insects on their sticky leaves. Sphagnum moss is another specialist plant often found in this environment and there are eight varieties to be found at Portmoak. Attractive flowering bog plants such as bog asphodel, marsh lousewort and bilberry make an appearance too. Equally at home are many types of birds and animals and there have been sightings of roe deer, red squirrels and foxes. Over 22 breeding bird species have been recorded including long eared owls, goldcrests and woodpeckers. Fungi flourish in the areas of mature woodland and large skeins of geese regularly fly overhead on their way to and from the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve.

Thanks to the Woodland Trust work is underway to restore and rehabilitate this rare habitat. The thick bed of peat underfoot is far more precious than the existing tree plantations above and many non-native tree species are slowly been removed and ditches blocked with dams. This will help to raise the water level and favour the plants and animals that are specially adapted to boggy environments, further increasing the wildlife diversity of the area.

The Moss is often walked in combination with The Tetley Trail, a circular walk of 3 miles/5km through varied countryside connecting the villages of Kinnesswood and Scotlandwell and another small woodland known as Kilmagadwood.

Access Info

This walk is located close to Kinross and Loch Leven in southern Perthshire. The nearest village to The Moss is Scotlandwell. Reach the start of the walk by taking the access track off the B920 just south of Scotlandwell. There is a parking area halfway along the access track.

Additional Info

Kinross Tourist Information Centre can provide further information and a descriptive leaflet on Portmoak Moss, which includes a clear map of the main walking route. See www.woodland-trust.org.uk and www.perthshire.co.uk

Free Big Tree Country Guide also available from any Perthshire Tourist Information Centre. Packed with information on walking, cycling and wildlife watching at over 65 woodland and countryside sites, this is the ideal companion to help you explore Perthshire's great outdoors. See also www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk

Other places to see in the Kinross area include RSPB Vane Farm Nature Reserve, Kinross House Gardens and Michael Bruce's Cottage. Loch Leven Castle is also worth a visit - this is the island castle where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned and it is reached by a small ferry across Loch Leven.

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