Upland flushes, fens and swamps

These habitats are wetlands that are confined to uplands and receive water from surface and/or groundwater, as well as precipitation. They are found in areas where the substrate is impermeable, or where groundwater is close to the surface and seeps out from springheads. Although they can also develop on mineral soils, these habitats are often small in extent and occur on shallow peat, which makes them vulnerable to perturbation and means they tend to be overlooked compared to upland bogs and lowland fens.  

Upland flushes, fens and swamps are rich in vascular plants and can hold significant floral diversity. The exact vegetation composition depends on the chemistry of the water as well as altitude. If groundwater is rich in calcium, it can form a lime deposit called tufa. Such areas have a higher richness of species compared to acidic flushes and springs.  

In general, vegetation is low-lying, and dominated by sedges, rushes, grasses along with wetland herbs and mosses (Sphagnum spp., spear-mosses in lime-rich areas). Swamps at lower altitudes may exhibit taller vegetation (e.g. meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria).    

Upland fens, flushes and swamps – particularly at higher altitudes - support many rare species of plant, such as scorched alpine-sedge (Carex atrofusca), alpine rush (Juncus alpinoarticulatus), yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) and Scottish asphodel (Tofieldia pusilla). It is also an important habitat for liverworts and bryophytes such as varnished hook-moss (Hamatocaulis vernicosus) and silky swan-neck moss (Campylopus setifolius). 

 Wading birds, such as curlew, snipe and redshank nest in this habitat, and feed on the various flies (e.g. Clinocera nivalis), beetles (e.g. Elaphrus lapponicus), spiders (e.g. Maro lepidus) and snails (Vertigo spp.) that provide an important source of food in the summer.¹ Upland flushes, fens and swamps are often grazed by deer, sheep or cattle that move in from surrounding grassland or heath. 

The habitat can be found throughout the uplands of Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland in often small, localised sites. The extent of this habitat is currently unknown, as it has not been comprehensively surveyed.