Which peatland data gaps should be addressed as a priority?
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: -How can biodiversity responses to peatland restoration be effectively assessed across Scotland?
-What are appropriate indicators for biodiversity impacts of peatland restoration?
-How can we to quantify the range of benefits we can derive from peatlands (flooding, water quality, biodiversity etc.) to support multi-criteria targeting of management and restoration and better target investment for maximum benefit in future?
-How can we quantify the impacts of grazing (both wild and livestock) on peatlands, including carbon offtake, erosion and species composition, and the options and trade-offs to minimise these impacts?
-What data will we need to inform and improve the accuracy of an updated carbon calculator?
-How should we us new LiDAR data to understand our peatlands?
-How should we understand and quantify the land use, emissions and co-benefits associated with shallow peatlands that fall outwith the current 50 cm depth definition?
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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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?
Addresses peatland restoration, biodiversity impacts, and carbon storage with expertise in statistical methodology.
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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?
Focuses on understanding ecosystem stocks and tipping points in UK blanket peatlands, including biodiversity impacts and climate mitigation.
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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?
Addresses peatland restoration, carbon emissions reduction, and governance reforms with a holistic interdisciplinary approach.