The level of artificial and natural radionuclide concentration as well as heavy metal content were determined in samples of saw sedge and peat collected in the Special Protection Area of peat bogs near Chelm (Poland). Gamma- and alpha-spectrometry with proper sample preparation were used to determine natural gamma-emitters, artificial 137Cs and alpha-radiating plutonium (238Pu and 239,240Pu). Non radioactive elements were determined by AAS. Rather low level of heavy metal concentration in all samples was found, however, the transfer factors were significant. Peat contamination with artificial radionuclides (137Cs and plutonium) was low. Contrary, the concentration of these isotopes in saw sedge was higher than normally observed in non contaminated areas, what is a result of a significant transfer factor.