Revealed: 80% of England’s Peatlands Are Dry and Degraded—What This Means for Our Environment

The recent mapping of England’s peatlands shows a concerning reality: 80% of these vital habitats are dry and degraded. This mapping effort, completed using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence, marks the first comprehensive look at England’s peatlands.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) released an open-source map that models the extent, depth, and condition of peat across England. It covers not just the soil but also vegetation and various drainage channels, both natural and human-made.

Peatlands play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Healthy peatlands can help fight climate change, reduce flood risks, improve water quality, and support unique wildlife like the golden plover and dragonflies. However, when peat becomes degraded, it releases carbon, contributing to global warming.

The recent study found that approximately 8.5% of England’s surface is covered by peaty soil, mainly in areas like the Pennines and the Lake District. Alarmingly, most of this land is struggling; while three-quarters of it is covered with some vegetation, only 1% features vital peat-forming plants like sphagnum moss.

Dr. Sallie Bailey, chief scientist at Natural England, highlighted the complexities of mapping peatlands. “Mapping something that’s primarily underground is challenging. This map’s level of detail is a remarkable accomplishment,” she noted. It helps us understand how much peat exists and how much carbon it stores or releases.

Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, stressed the importance of these ecosystems. They are the largest natural carbon stores and vital to our water cycle. The new map will guide targeted restoration efforts, focusing on the most degraded areas, which can lead to better land management and biodiversity recovery.

Caroline Thorogood from the National Trust emphasized that this mapping will significantly aid in prioritizing conservation efforts on peatlands they manage. It can enhance habitats and bolster carbon storage, which is critical for mitigating climate change.

As we confront climate challenges, understanding and restoring peatlands is more important than ever. With proper management, these areas can continue to provide essential benefits for nature and humanity alike.

For more detailed findings, you can access the full study on the Defra website.

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