Peatland Restoration

Exmoor Mires Project

• Location: Exmoor National Park, Southwest England.
• Issue: Damage from fuel use and grazing altered mine hydrology, leading to vegetation dominated by simple species.
• Solution: The Exmoor Mires project collaborates with landowners and users to block old ditches and abandoned peat cuttings.
• Methods:
  • Using natural, on-site materials like peat and bale dams.
  • Using locally sourced timber.
• Goal: To restore the hydrological function of blanket peatlands.
• Monitoring:
  • Water quality and supply.
  • Flood risk changes.
  • Carbon storage and greenhouse gas fluxes.
  • Agricultural economic impacts.
  • Historic environment.
  • Biodiversity changes.
• Achievements:
  • Since 1999, over 2,600 hectares have been restored.
  • 31% of Exmoor peatlands have regained their ecohydrological function.

Flow Country, Scotland

• Location: Caithness and Sutherland, Scotland.
• Description: Vast peatland bogs.
• Carbon Storage: Stores over 400 million tonnes of carbon.
• Wildlife Habitat: Home to otters, water voles, red deer, mountain hares, hen harriers, waders and waterfowl.
• Historical Damage: Over the last 30 years, extensive areas were damaged by drainage and conifer plantations.
• Impact: Peat bogs that were carbon sinks now emit carbon into the atmosphere.
• Restoration Efforts:
  • Blocking drains (over 18,000 dams installed).
  • Removing trees (as trees are not naturally part of this ecosystem).
• Results: Measures have raised the water table, promoting the recovery of bog mosses and other vegetation.
• Restoration Extent: Over 75,600 hectares of damaged peatland have been restored.
• Recognition: Designated as a World Heritage Site, highlighting the global importance of peatland restoration efforts.