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

PeatlandAction@snh.gov.uk

Ditch blocking at

Fannyside Muir

A Peatland Action demonstration event at Flanders Moss, March 2014