24.8 ecosystem management - peat bogs

what is the peat bogs like

• a region of wet, spongy ground that contains decomposing vegetation

• it is a store of carbon

• burning peat releases carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming

• can be used to increase acidity of the soil

the ecosystem of peat bogs

• when plant material is inhibited from fully decaying by acidic and anaerobic conditions

• normally occurs in wet or boggy areas

• vegetation includes mosses, sedges, shrubs, heather

• has a wide range of insects such as butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and damsenflies

• provides an ideal hunting ground for birds of prey

loss of peat bogs ecosystem

• in the UK the area of relatively undisturbed lowland raised bog is estimated to have diminished by over 90% on the last 100 years

• their maintenance is vital for flood management and carbon storage

• decline has occurred due to afforestation, peat extraction and agricultural intensification

how are peat bogs being conserved

• ensuring that the peat and vegetation of the bog surface is undisturbed and as wet as possible. Ditch blocking may be required to raise the water table

• movement of seedling trees from an area which maintains water levels

• using controlled grazing to maintain the biodiversity of the peat land

• organisations such as the wildlife trust, natural England and the royal society for the protection of birds is working on this