A three-person Uplands team on the Isle of Man is working to restore approximately 8,000 hectares of the island's hills, focusing on damaged peatland areas. Peat, formed from partially decayed plants and organic matter over thousands of years, stores more carbon than any other soil on Earth.
Sarah Hickey, the island's Peatland Officer, explained the importance of keeping this carbon locked away to prevent its release into the atmosphere. Historically, islanders turned to peat for fuel after trees were largely stripped by the 17th century. Although peat cutting was banned in 2020, the exposed areas left behind are still collapsing and eroding, leading to sediment washing into reservoirs.
Restoration efforts involve using light diggers to reshape bare peat to gentler slopes and covering it with vegetation. Bio logs and netting are then used to protect the exposed ground, providing shade and dampness for new vegetation to establish. Experts identify sphagnum moss as a key component for healthy bogs, as it grows in and creates peatland habitats, holding large amounts of water to slow rain, reduce flooding, and filter sediment.
Sphagnum moss also contributes to fire resistance, as healthy peat can contain up to 90% water, which is increasingly important with more common summer wildfires. The restored bogs also benefit wildlife, providing habitat for ground-nesting birds like hen harriers and breeding grounds for invertebrates.