Restoring peatlands: forest to bog transformation in the UK

The smaller project at Clashindarroch in Scotland (approximately 35 ha) was completed in early 2022, while a larger-scale restoration at Pen y Cymoedd in Wales – spanning up to 1500 ha - began in late 2021 and will continue for several years.

At Pen y Cymoedd, Vattenfall is investing £3m in the project and has partnered with the neighbouring Lost Peatlands of South Wales Project, making it an even larger restoration initiatives of its kind in the country.

Although both projects are mandated by the permits, Vattenfall has also voluntarily funded a three-year research programme at Swansea University. The programme focuses on peatland restoration in connection with wind farm development on forested peatlands. The initial three-year programme has now been extended with two years.

Peat restoration within these Habitat Management Plans involves ditch blocking and ground smoothing to raise the water table – an essential step in re-establishing a functioning peat bog. Healthy peatlands can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, store carbon, and increase biodiversity.