Three-way sedge and White-beak rush community

Rushes and sedges grow in very wet areas of the Bog. In Burns Bog, this community is formed artificially by peat harvesting. The Bog has seen many methods of peat extraction. While some methods created ditches that continued to drain the Bog after extraction, the operations in the central and western portions of the Bog did not involve draining.  In contrast, they dug holes in the ground and flush the peat with water, extraction was done by sifting the slurry.  This method was equally devastating to the environment while it took place.  However, it resulted in many small ponds and lakes that would become important bird habitats . The Rush and sedges community form in these wet meadows.  In areas where the water level is just right, Sphagnum regeneration is highest here near the ponds.  However, Sphagnum does not grow under too much water.  This makes sense, because otherwise all lakes will become bogs! 

Sphagnum mosses are also reported to come back at a healthy rate at the Rush and sedge community. In addition, this zone's "marshy" conditions have attracted many species of birds.