Scientific publications

The subject of this study was small mire systems on the eastern slope of the West Karelian Upland. Their vegetation is made up of oligotrophic and mesoligotrophic Sphagnum-dominated communities. It comprises mesoligotrophic “sloping” sites with a sparse layer of Picea × fennica as a feature distinguishing these systems from typical East Fennoscandian sloping fens, which are predominantly eutrophic. The peat deposit stratigraphy of the surveyed fens reveals a variety of development successions, starting from aquatic as well as from dry-land paleocommunities. These mires will be part of the planned regional protected area Low Montane Landscapes of Central Karelia, and can serve as eco-tourism destinations.