Pinhook Bog nutrient-poor. The outstanding feature of Pinhook Bog is the tree-covered mat of sphagnum moss. Sphagnum moss is a stringy, delicate moss of a light-green color. The mat floats on top of the water and can become thick, yet it can have a pocket only a few inches thick in the middle. As the mat thickens, larger and larger plants take root and grow. Under the mat a peat bed develops. The acidic water slows the decay of the sphagnum moss and other plants. With time, the peat may fill the bog from the mat to the bottom. As the moisture
Portlethen Moss have been enhanced by proximity to the sea and natural defensive protection of the moss to impede intruders. From Tacitus accounts of the Roman general Agricola, it is known that the Romans were daunted by Portlethen Moss, Netherley Red Moss, Cookney Moss and other local bogs that hindered travel. This is also evidenced by the Roman Camp of Raedykes having been established immediately south of this cluster of mosses; the Romans not being able to progress further north, turned inland toward Netherley.The Portlethen Moss is near the Grampian Mountains. The ancient Causey Mounth passage specifically connected the Bridge of Dee