Using satellite imagery, artificial intelligence and detailed data analysis, scientists have created the most complete map of England’s peatlands to date, shedding new light on the condition of these often-overlooked landscapes.
The England Peat Map – which shows the extent, depth and condition of peatlands in England – reveals that roughly 80% of the habitat is in a dry and degraded state.
Covering around 8.5% of the country, these peatlands are more than just boggy ground. They are the lungs of the land – vast, natural stores of carbon that, when healthy, filter our water, reduce flood risk (by storing water), and offer a home to some of England's rarest wildlife, from the golden plover and the curlew to the carnivorous sundew plant and the marsh violet.
Yet, in their degraded state, these peatlands are leaking carbon instead of storing it, say experts from Natural England, the government's statutory advisor on the natural environment in England. And only a tiny fraction – about 1% – are still covered by vital peat-forming vegetation such as sphagnum moss. The vast majority are now dominated by dry land species such as heather and grasses.
From the Pennines and North York Moors, to Cumbria’s fells and the South West’s uplands, the new map paints a detailed picture of our peatlands, including where man-made ditches have drained the land.
Researchers believe that restoring even half of this land to a near-natural state could bring benefits worth around £50 billion in carbon savings alone – while also boosting biodiversity, water quality and wellbeing for the people who use these spaces.
The map is "something of a global first", says Natural England’s Chief Scientist Dr Sallie Bailey, adding that “mapping peat to this level of detail will help us maximise the benefits of peat and massively advances our understanding of the role our peatlands are playing in a changing climate.”
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper says, "the England Peat Map will allow us to make far better and more informed decisions when it comes to managing peatlands – targeting restoration efforts to the most degraded peat and identifying the best opportunities for nature recovery."
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