What does successful peatland restoration look like, now and in the medium and long-term?
Background
Question Group: Focused on safeguarding and enhancing Scotland’s natural resources, its air, soils, land, water, plants and wildlife, by addressing the drivers of nature loss and environmental degradation. Emphasises restoration of degraded ecosystems, sustainable use of wild species, minimising of pollution, improving the management of invasive non-native species. Targets sustainable use of resources to support thriving communities, nature, and the economy in a changing climate.
Sub-questions: -Does peatland restoration improve biodiversity and, if so, in what way and what can be do to maximise the biodiversity gains as part of restoration work?
-Which types of existing and restored peatlands are going to be resilient to Climate Change? How will that relate to peatland condition, geomorphology, geographical area, altitudes, climatic conditions, topography, erosion features and hydrology?
-Can we reduce GHG emissions by converting afforested peatlands to native wet woodlands, and would this offer any additional co-benefits e.g. for biodiversity?
-How can biodiversity responses to peatland restoration be effectively assessed across Scotland?
-How can biodiversity responses such as rewetted peatlands compare to near-natural peatlands, both for emissions and hydrological function?
-What are the hydrological impacts to surrounding habitats of ditches, haggs & bare peat in upland and montane areas and on slopes?
-What are the impacts of wild and domestic herbivores on peatland restoration outcomes?
-What are acceptable herbivore densities to facilitate peatland recovery?
Next steps
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Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Environment natural resources agriculture research strategy 2027 2032
Topics
Research fields
Related UKRI funded projects
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Understanding ecostytem stocks and tipping points in UK blanket peatlands (short form: Peatland Tipping Points)
The aim of this project is to use UK peatlands as a case system in which to understand how the combined effects of climate change and changes in land use and management (and other drivers, such as atmospheric deposition)...
Funded by: NERC
Lead research organisation: Newcastle University
Why might this be relevant?
This project specifically focuses on understanding peatland tipping points, ecosystem services, and restoration strategies, which directly address the question's multiple aspects.
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Rapid Engagement with Stressed Peatland Environments and Communities in Transformation [RESPECT]
Context: Peatlands are one of the world's most important habitats and the largest terrestrial carbon store. However, 80% of UK peatlands are damaged and deteriorating, meaning they are often a carbon source rather than s...
Funded by: BBSRC
Lead research organisation: University of Glasgow
Why might this be relevant?
This project addresses the urgent need for peatland restoration, explores key questions related to restoration implementation, and offers tools for landholders, aligning with the question's focus on successful restoration and biodiversity gains.
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Developing a statistical methodology for the assessment and management of peatland (StAMP)
In good condition, peatlands are the most efficient carbon store of all soils. They regulate freshwater supply (peatlands are 95% water) and quality, mitigate climate change by storing greenhouse gases, and maintain biod...
Funded by: SPF
Lead research organisation: University of Nottingham
Why might this be relevant?
While this project focuses on developing statistical methods for assessing peatland condition, it does not directly address all aspects of the question but could provide valuable insights for assessing restoration effectiveness.