PeatBogRestoratio

• What are drainage ditches ?

  channels dug in the peat bog
• why have drainage ditches been used in exmoor?

  to make the peat of exmoor suitable for farming . dry out the peat bog
• give one problem caused by the drainage ditches?

  Peat has been dug as a fuel, leaving behind ugly scars in the landscape
• Give one problem caused by the drainage ditches?

  As the peat surface has dried out, decomposition has occurred, releasing carbon in the form of carbon and methane
• Give one problem caused by the drainage ditches?

  Drainage ditches have been dug = increased speed of waterflow to the Exe = reduces water quality
• give the 3 problems caused by drainage ditches - briefly?

  • ugly scars in landscape
  • decomposition has occured - CO2 and MH4
  • Increased flow of water- reduces water quality
• What is the aim of the Exmoor Mires project?

  Restore 2000ha of exmoor to the boggy conditions that would naturally be present by blocking drainage ditches with peat blocks and moorland bales
• how many hectares aim to be restored?

  2000ha
• What techniques being used to restore the hectares?

  Blocking drainage ditches with peat blocks and moorland bales
• What impact will blocking drainage ditches with peat blocks and moorland bales have on the peat bog?

  Water table has been raised by 2.65cm

  This has decreased the amount of water that drains from the monitoring area by 2/3
• By 2015...?

  over 1000ha of peat moorland been restored

  Over 100km ditches blocked
• Give one benefit of the project?

  More water storage in upper catchments

  • Water transfer is slowed , increasing storage capacity & ensuring a steady supply of water throughout the year
• Give one benefit of the project?

  Improved grazing and water supply for animals

  • Animals benefit from having year-round drinking water as well as improved grazing during dry parts of the year
• Give one benefit of the project?

  Improved opportunities for education, leisure and recreation

  • peatland habitats very diverse
• Give one benefit of the project?

  Improved water quality

  • Slower throughflow means less sediment carried into rivers
  • Water cleaner and good for wildlife eg salmon
  • Water is less expensive to treat
• State the benefits of the project, briefly?

  • grazing and water- animals
  • more water storage in upper catchments
  • improved water quality
  • improved education opportunities
• what have water tables started to do?

  rise , meaning the moisture is being retained within the soil
• results of restoration i think?

  storm flow and flood peaks have been reduced and baseflow has increased
• conclusion?

  increase in water tables reflect increased storage of water in the peat mass following restoration and it is cosistent with similar changes recorded in other re-wetted peatlands in the UK and Ireland
• By 2015 the water table had risen by ...?

  2.65cm