The Patchy Peat Solutions Project 

This project is part of the larger Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot, a £3.1 million initiative funded by the UK Government. It involves 13 projects across England, each exploring innovative ways to manage water and preserve peat soils. At the heart of Patchy Peat Solutions are five dedicated farmers from Shropshire, alongside Harper Adams' Future Farm.

Collaborating for Change

A diverse team of experts, including Dr. Julia Casperd, Professor Karl Behrendt, Dr. Simon Jeffery, Dr. Iona Huang and Scott Kirby, are joining forces with farmers. This collaboration with delve into various criticall aspects of agricultural sustainability, habitat restoration and habitat creation. A key focus will be on monetising the natural capital of each farm and managing water resources and carbon stocks.

The Importance of Re-wetting Peat 

Peat soils play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Covering only 3% of the Earth's land surface, peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined. In England, lowland peat soils are highly productive, yet their cultivation leads to peat oxidation, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Draining and cultivating peatlands contributes to around 5% of global CO2 emissions.

Re-wetting peat offers a promising solution by keeping carbon locked in the soil. This process can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, re-wetting just 1 hectare of peatland can prevent the release of up to 20 tonnes of CO2 annually. Scaling this up, re-wetting all suitable peatlands in England could sequester millions of tonnes of CO2, contributing significantly to national climate targets.

The Value of Water Storage

Re-wetted peatlands also provide valuable water storage, which can be crucial for downstream communities. By acting as natural water reservoirs, they reduce the risk of flooding, improve water quality and ensure a stable water supply during droughts. These benefits can translate into millions of pounds in savings on flood defenses and water treatment costs.

The Value of Nature Restoration for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Markets

Restoring peatlands holds immense potential for biodiversity. These ecosystems provide unique habitats for a variety of species, including rare and endangered ones. As the UK moves towards mandatory BNG requirements, re-wetted peatlands can offer substantial credits for developers, fostering a new market for biodiversity conservation.

Enhancing Local Nature and Nutrient Neutrality Markets

Re-wetted peatlands contribute to nutrient neutrality by filtering and storing nutrients, preventing them from polluting watercourses. This service is invaluable for areas facing nutrient pollution challenges, enhancing local biodiversity and water quality. The benefits extend to the creation of vibrant natural landscapes that attract tourism and support local economies.

Business Investments in Nature

Businesses are increasingly recognising the value of investing in nature. For instance, Aviva has invested in the restoration of the Mid-Atlantic Forest, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and carbon sequestration. Such investments not only enhance corporate sustainability profiles, but also provide long-term financial returns through ecosystem services and carbon credits.

Mapping the Future

A significant part of the project involves verifying the historic maps of Shropshire's lowland peat. This work will help in understanding the true distribution and nature of these peaty pockets, which provide high-quality agricultural land. The exchange of knowledge between farmers, academia and industry will be pivotal in uncovering new insights over the next year.

Join the Conversation

The distribution and management of Shropshire's lowland peat are increasingly hot topics in governmental and environmental circles. As this project progresses, it will pave the way for sustainable farming practices that could have far-reaching impacts on both the environment and food production.

If you have any questions or wish to learn more about this innovative project, please reach out to Dr. Casperd at jcasperd@harper-adams.ac.uk.

This initiative represents a significant step towards more sustainable farming practices, aiming to create a harmonious balance between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. Stay tuned as we embark on this journey to transform peat farming and boost ecosystems.