2014
NH6457 : Grass of Parnassus in the Belmaduthy Dam SSSI
taken 12 years ago, near to Belmaduthy, Highland, Scotland

Grass of Parnassus in the Belmaduthy Dam SSSI
Grass of Parnassus is a perennial of peaty grassland, marshes and moors. A few examples were seen during an early August visit to the reserve.
The 20 hectare Belmaduthy Dam is an excellent example of wet lowland heath and mire mosaic, with lime flushes providing conditions suitable for a range of interesting plants. It was once a much more common habitat on the Black Isle, but much has now been replaced by agriculture or forestry. Underground springs in the nearby upper slopes of the Black Isle introduces nutrients to the otherwise poor ground, creating pockets of base-rich soil. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The 20 hectare Belmaduthy Dam is an excellent example of wet lowland heath and mire mosaic, with lime flushes providing conditions suitable for a range of interesting plants. It was once a much more common habitat on the Black Isle, but much has now been replaced by agriculture or forestry. Underground springs in the nearby upper slopes of the Black Isle introduces nutrients to the otherwise poor ground, creating pockets of base-rich soil. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
