Eyes on the Bog

The LDNPA is involved in a number of peatland restoration projects but understanding the current and changing state of peatland is crucial. Eyes on the Bog is a UK wide Citizen Science project helping volunteers collect basic information that will help manage peatland restoration projects across the country. The data collected will help scientists model climate predictions and understand the condition and function of UK peatlands. Recently I joined an Eyes on the Bog data collection training session on Barf (above Whinlatter). Every few months Volunteers will be visiting a number of ‘secret’ locations to measure the water table and peat levels. This data will be compared to future readings taken after bog restoration has taken place. In the future this kind of nature recovery project may be a valuable source of income for land owners as a market emerges for 'offsets'.

UK National Parks have partnered with a company called Palladium to create 'Revere'. Revere designs nature restoration projects, raises private capital to fund them, and generates revenue through sale of ecosystem services.' Their aim is to 'develop innovative solutions that work for nature, investors and communities.'