As such, my research project aimed to investigate how Honeygar farms history of soil drainage for agriculture has impacted the peats natural carbon functioning processes.
#UWEMres2022
Previous land use for agriculture has impacted the natural functioning of this ecosystem through prolonged drainage, as such current knowledge acquired from natural systems is hardly transferable.
#UWEMres2022
Somerset Wildlife trust has agreed purchase of Honeygar farm to focus natural habitat restoration of fenland and wetland, to increase carbon sequestration and use as a demonstration site to other landowners, managers and communities. #UWEMres2022
Methane is also a powerful greenhouse gas. Over a 20-year period, it is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide. Wetlands account for approximately a third of global methane emissions. #UWEMres2022
Raising water levels and restoring peat forming conditions can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, but also re-establishes the emission of methane. #UWEMres2022
When peatlands
are drained to lower water levels and managed for land uses such as agriculture and forestry, this
stored carbon is emitted as carbon dioxide from peat soils. #UWEMres2022
Peatlands are among the most Carbon-rich ecosystem on earth. In natural conditions, peatlands
have a net cooling effect on the climate, reduce flood risk, and support biodiversity. #UWEMres2022
Peatlands are a particular type of wetland that builds up peat carbon stores by accumulating dead plant material, which is prevented from decomposing thanks to the water-logged conditions. #UWEMres2022