NatureScot Commissioned Report 925: A review of the influence of ombrotrophic peat depth on the successful restoration of bog habitat
This report presents the results of a literature review on the influence of the type and depth of residual peat on the successful restoration of bog habitat.
The main aim of the review was to establish whether an average minimum residual peat depth of 50cm is appropriate for the restoration of bog habitat following commercial peat extraction.
The report finds that there appears to be no scientific basis that this depth of peat is appropriate. Peat at this depth is likely to be mineral-rich and derived from fen habitat. Restoration is thus likely to result in poor fen habitat that may persist for hundreds of years before succeeding to bog habitat.
The report presents evidence that a residual peat depth of more than 2m is required for direct restoration to bog habitat.
Published: 2016
Pages: 82
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