Peatland restoration in Cumbria

Peatland restoration on Barf.

Peatland restoration in Cumbria

What are peatlands?

Peatlands, often referred to as bogs, fens or mires, are unique and fascinating ecosystems characterised by their waterlogged and acidic conditions. With their unparalleled ability to sequester carbon, provide a haven for a wealth of biodiversity, and regulate water cycles, peatlands truly are hidden gems of the natural world!

Positive peaty facts:

  • Peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface, yet hold nearly 30% of all soil carbon.
  • Peatlands are the world’s largest terrestrial carbon stock, storing more than twice the carbon found in all the world’s forests.
  • 70% of our drinking water comes from upland areas dominated by peatlands.
  • They are home to some incredible wildlife, including rare wading birds such as dunlin and curlew, as well as interesting plants like the carnivorous sundew and squishy Sphagnums.
At least 70 per cent of English peatlands are damaged by drainage, heavy grazing, regular burning, cultivation, forestry or other management.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Help to restore damaged peatlands

Peatlands are Cumbria’s most important carbon store
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What threats do peatlands face?

Peatlands face many anthropogenic threats, including drainage for agricultural use and forestry, peat extraction to burn as fuel or for horticultural use, as well as overgrazing and fire.

All of these actions degrade peatlands, releasing massive amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, ultimately contributing to climate change. Damaged peatlands also result in wildlife declines, and degraded peat seeps into watercourses, increasing costs for treatment of drinking water.

What are we doing to restore degraded peatlands in Cumbria?

Cumbria, due to its cool and wet climate, is home to 31,000 hectares of blanket bog alone - equivalent to over 43,400 football pitches! Since 2012, Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s peatland team has surveyed over 10,000 hectares and successfully restored over 3000 hectares of peatland throughout the county.

See some of our completed and ongoing restoration projects below.

Our completed and on-going peatland restoration projects

Why do we need to prioritise our peatlands?

Carbon storage at Bampton common

Example of carbon storage at Bampton common

Peatland impact

Carbon

Due to the waterlogged conditions of peatlands, Sphagnum (peat forming bog mosses) don’t decay after they die. This means that the carbon stored within is not released as carbon dioxide, but instead is held in the ground as peat. As a result, peatlands are the UK's largest carbon store - with 28.5 million tonnes in the Lake District alone.

A five per cent loss of UK peat soils would be equal to the entire annual, man-made, carbon emissions.

Find out more
foulshaw moss pool at dusk - c- les fitton

© Les Fitton

Peatland impact

Water quality and flood control

Peatlands act as a natural sponge, absorbing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly. This natural water regulation helps to prevent flooding downstream and maintain a consistent flow of water in streams and rivers.

Peatlands also act as a natural filter, purifying water as it passes through the Sphagnum moss layers. This filtration process helps to improve water quality, reducing the cost of treatment for drinking water.

Peatland impact

Archaeology

Waterlogged soils lack oxygen, therefore reducing decay and preserving matter for thousands of years. As a result, peat can preserve incredible archaeological finds such as remarkable ancient graves, wooden artefacts and human bodies - known as bog bodies!

wildflower pots and a windowsill garden

Wildflower pots and a windowsill garden
© Katy Ferguson

Say No to Peat Compost

Find out what we're doing to reduce sales of peat for use in horticulture

Read more here

Get involved with a Peatland Restoration event and make a difference

Thank you to all our funders for their support:

Esmee Fairbairn foundation - small
Defra logo
Environment agency - small
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Green Recovery Challenge Fund