Restoration of blanket peatlands

Parry, L. E. , Holden, J. and Chapman, P. J. (2014) Restoration of blanket peatlands. Journal of Environmental Management, 133, pp. 193-205. (doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.11.033) (PMID:24384281)

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Abstract

There is concern that ecosystem services provided by blanket peatlands have come under threat due to increasing degradation. Blanket peatlands are subject to a wide range of drivers of degradation and are topographically variable. As a result, many degradation forms can develop, including those resulting from eroding artificial drainage, incising gullies and areas of bare peat. Many degraded blanket peatlands have undergone restoration measures since the turn of the century. However, there has been little formal communication of the techniques used and their success. Using practitioner knowledge and a review of the available literature, this paper discusses the methodologies used for restoring sloping blanket peatlands. It then considers current understanding of the impact of restoration on blanket peatland ecosystem services. There is a paucity of research investigating impacts of several common restoration techniques and much more is needed if informed management decisions are to be made and funding is to be appropriately spent. Where data are available we find that restoration is largely beneficial to many ecosystem services, with improvements being observed in water quality and ecology. However, the same restoration technique does not always result in the same outcomes in all locations. The difference in response is predominantly due to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity inherent in all blanket peatlands. Peatland practitioners must take this variability into account when designing restoration strategies and monitoring impact.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Parry, Dr Lauren
Authors: Parry, L. E., Holden, J., and Chapman, P. J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Journal of Environmental Management
Publisher:Elsevier B.V.
ISSN:0301-4797
ISSN (Online):1095-8630
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Journal of Environmental Management 133:193-205
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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