Precious lowland peat

Peatlands are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth, storing twice as much carbon as forests. These slow-forming wetland wonders are incredibly important as they support a huge array of wildlife, as well as capturing and storing carbon and acting as a flood defence. When peatlands are drained for use, they degrade and shift from a carbon store to a carbon emitter. England’s lowland peat soils are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the land-use sector, accounting for 3% of England’s GHG emissions overall.

SEE IT THIS AUTUMN

† Weston Moor and Gordano Valley National Nature Reserve (NNR) Neighbouring one another, these nature reserves provide a tranquil backdrop for an autumn stroll. Follow the public footpath through Weston Moor and into the NNR to take in the views across the peatland, glowing in the autumn light. The winter splash-flooding created by the raised water level system within the reserves supports an abundance of invertebrates, which in turn provides a valuable food source for an array of birds and small mammals.