Bouncing Bogs: At the source of a river

Have you ever stood beside a river and imagined where it all begins? In this episode of Waterlands, Megan McCubbin takes us to the Flow Country in Scotland, home to the world’s largest expanse of blanket bog, where water seeps slowly through a maze of pools before feeding rivers like the Thurso.

Joined by someone who’s spent a lot of time in this ecosystem, Millie Revel Hayward, Megan explores this fascinating and fluid landscape, discovering how the bog acts like a sponge, absorbing rain and releasing pure water into the ecosystem. As they bounce on the waterlogged land, like a natural trampoline, they reveal how this ancient peatland supports everything from breeding salmon to rare wading birds like the golden plover.

Dr. Mark Everard explains the complex, interconnected systems of rivers, from their underground sources to the impact of human activities like farming. He shares how changes in the landscape can shift a river’s path and flow before it even reaches the surface.

And artist Kathy Hinde dives into the sounds of the bog, crafting a unique soundscape from beneath the blanket of moss, capturing the rhythms of this hidden world.

Featuring: Milly Revill Hayward (RSPB Scotland), Dr. Mark Everard (Author and Environmental Scientist) and Kathy Hinde, Presented by Megan McCubbin

If this episode has inspired you to take action for wetlands or discover more about our rivers, visit wwt.org.uk

Waterlands is brought to you by WWT. It’s an 18Sixty production, produced by Ellie Richold, mixed by Melvin Rickarby and original music by Noah Bloom.