European important alder carr forests

The presence of water pools, open marshes, alder carr forests, and boggy birch forests indicates the water richness of the area. Marsh or swamp forests are even so important and unique that they are protected at the European level (as 'Habitats Directive area'). In the boggy birch forests, you guessed it, sphagnum mosses are often found. These mosses act like a sponge: they can dry out significantly but absorb a lot of water as soon as it rains. Sphagnum mosses have another special property. They form thick layers where the lower part dies off (creating peat) and the upper layer continues to grow. In spring, buttercups brighten up the alder carr forests with their yolk-yellow color.

Limburgs Landschap vzw