Moss in smoking malt in the production of Scotch whisky. "Sphagnum" moss, generally the species "S. cristatum" and "S. subnitens", is harvested while still growing and is dried out to be used in nurseries and horticulture as a plant growing medium. The practice of harvesting "peat moss" should not be confused with the harvesting of "moss peat". "Peat moss" can be harvested on a sustainable basis and managed so that regrowth is allowed, whereas the harvesting of "moss peat" is generally considered to cause significant environmental damage as the peat is stripped with little or no chance of recovery. Some "Sphagnum"
Portlethen Moss lower elevations in every direction. Due to the high winds, moderate precipitation and cool temperatures that generally prevail, conditions are favourable for formation of an acid bog, since water stagnates, but eventually evaporates with ensuing acidity enhancement of decaying organic matter. There was virtually no drainage outlet in prehistoric times, and little drainage even in modern times. Many coastal mosses were initiated by the process of glaciation, which sheared rock formations to a generally level terrain, while also gouging moderate sized craters that would pond. This description fits the fundamental situation of Portlethen Moss, where sphagnum would have flourished over