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1. Introduction
In order to restore a peatland site, we have to
know:
− The current condition of the peatland
− What relevant properties have been disturbed
and can they be reversed?
− What techniques could be applied?
In many cases, the first goal in restoration is to
limit further degradation. When active peat growth
cannot be re-instated, limiting further degradation
to prevent carbon loss is the priority at a national
level. The primary method for limiting further
degradation is to restore the original wetness as
early as possible. In many cases re-wetting can, in
time, bring back many of the lost peatland
functions such as carbon storage, carbon
sequestration, enhanced biodiversity, flood
alleviation and improved water quality.
http://www.snh.gov.uk/climate-change/what-snh-is-doing/peatland-
action/
Scottish Natural Heritage
What does peatland restoration look like?
2. Restoring water levels on Lowland Raised
Bogs – Central Scotland
3. Restoring blanket bog from forestry –
Caithness and Sutherland
During the 1970s and 80s large swathes of pristine
blanket peatland in Caithness and Sutherland were
afforested with non-native conifers as a result of ill-
advised tax incentives.
Once the trees were removed, blanket peat restoration
at Forsinard, Caithness involved:
Combined, these restoration techniques are already re-
creating an open landscape more typical of a natural
blanket bog habitat; and one attractive to bog-loving
wildlife.
4. Measuring and sharing success
− Continued monitoring programmes will assess the
effectiveness of restoration techniques in a range of
settings, with best practice shared through
demonstration events.
− The project is asking all grant recipients to measure
peat depths across the whole of the restored
peatland to help build up a more accurate picture of
the amount of the peatland resource.
− In addition extensive telemetric hydrological
monitoring is measuring water tables in response to
rainfall events in collaboration with SEPA.
− Ditch blocking to restore water levels on
previously drained bogs.
− Scrub clearance to reduce water loss through
evapotranspiration.
Combined, these restoration techniques have
shown remarkable improvements with raised water
levels and new Sphagnum growth.
After
crushing brash
blocking ditches to raise
water levels
Andrew McBride, Christina Bell and Estelle Gill
Ditch blocking at
Fannyside Muir
A Peatland Action demonstration event at Flanders Moss, March 2014