Peatlands (or bogs) are areas of wetland with thick layers of decomposed vegetation stored in their soils, and 1 metre of peat takes around 1,000 years to build!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three broad peatland types in the UK:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Blanket bog \u2013 typically found in the uplands, fed by rainfall. Nutrient poor and acidic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raised bog \u2013 localised domes, common in lowland areas. Rain fed, nutrient poor and acidic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fen \u2013 fed by rain and groundwater sources, so differing pH levels from base rich to base poor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In the North East we have some great examples of peatlands, such as Cuthbert’s Moor<\/a> in the heart of the Durham Dales and the Border Mires blanket bog<\/a> next to Kielder Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Cuthberts Moor (Photo: Durham Wildlife Trust)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Benefits of peatlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peatlands provide a host of benefits, known as \u201cecosystem services\u201d, to society. Some of the ecosystem services that peatlands provide include carbon storage, drinking water filtration, flood prevention, wildlife habitats, grazing land and recreational areas. Although in the UK, due to the way peatlands have been managed, peatlands are estimated to be a net source of greenhouse gas emissions i.e. they release more CO2 into the atmosphere than they store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This damaged peat is often referred to as “wasted peat.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protecting Peatlands<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peatlands are under threat, but through restoration, better land management, and community awareness, we can work to restore these amazing landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK government has pledged up to \u00a3400 million for nature restoration, including efforts to restore peatlands. There are also consultations underway to extend the ban on burning deep peat, a practice that releases emissions and causes habitat loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur peatlands are this country\u2019s Amazon Rainforest and in desperate need of restoration and protection, as this mapping and research work starkly demonstrates.<\/em> That is why we have announced up to \u00a3400m for nature restoration, including of our peatlands, and are consulting on new plans to extend the ban on burning deep peat. This government, as part of our Plan for Change, are committed to expanding nature-rich habitats and turning the tide on nature\u2019s decline after years of neglect.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n