We are using a variety of techniques to improve the condition of our peatlands.
Some of our precious peatlands have become degraded through historic land-use practices, such as drainage and peat cutting for fuel. One of the main aims of the Manx Peat Partnership is to restore these areas so they can once again provide their valuable services for wildlife, flood mitigation, water resilience and carbon storage. Restoration involves consultation with stakeholders and working with land managers, as well as a range of practical interventions.
Surveying
In order to identify priority areas for restoration work, we first start with surveys.
We are mapping the depth and extent of our peatlands, with the help of volunteers, using our survey app. We use aerial images to identify and map erosion features, such as peat hags and drainage ditches. Details are then collected in the field, along with an assessment of the habitat condition, so that restoration work can be planned.
Reprofiling
Peat hags are steep faces of eroding peat, largely formed as a result of historic peat cutting for fuel.
In order to enable these to become revegetated, an excavator with low ground pressure tracks is used to reduce the angle of the peat face. Vegetation is pulled back, the peat is scraped to a shallower angle then the vegetation is spread back over. Areas of bare peat are covered in a layer of heather brash, and netting is sometimes used to hold this in place.
Ditch and Gully Blocking
To keep the peat wet, slow the flow of water and reduce erosion we install dams.
If there is enough peat in the channel banks and base, we can use timber, plastic or peat dams. Where the channel has eroded down to mineral soil, we can use stone dams.
Bunding
Bunding is used to reduce the surface water flow and trap sediment.
This helps reduce erosion and is also used to protect the base of reprofiled peat hags. We use both coir logs and heather bales for bunding.
Managing the Hills
We are working with farmers to manage the hills in a way that is beneficial for peatland habitats.
Well managed and locally acclimatised livestock are an important part of this management, helping to suppress the encroachment of scrub and non-native trees. We are indebted to our upland farmers for their wisdom, support and assistance delivering this positive conservation project.
Boardwalks
We have installed boardwalks across sensitive areas of bog in order to protect them from recreational pressure while still allowing access.
These boardwalks provide a great platform for viewing peatland species, such as carnivorous sundews and peat-forming sphagnum moss.