What is Peat?
The International Peatland Society defines ‘peat’ as the surface organic layer of a soil that is made up of partially decomposed organic matter, derived mostly from plant material. It can be found in parts of County Durham, in the North Pennines region.
Why is peat useful?
When healthy, peat can store and take in huge amounts of carbon. However, when damaged, peatlands can be carbon emitters (release stored carbon) on a grand scale.
It is vital that we proceed and plan to restore all our remaining degraded peatlands and ensure they are well taken care of and positively managed.
What are we doing about it?
As part of the Climate Emergency Response Plan.pdf, we aim to restore all degraded areas of peatland and work is underway to achieve this. In fact, we have restored 16,000 hectares of blanket bog which this prevents the release of 192,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. One example of our work so far is the restoration of Weardale on YouTube.
How can you help?
If you would like to protect peatland, try to avoid soil or compost containing peat. Besides this, when you are out enjoying County Durham’s natural beauty, avoid areas of peatland and don’t damage the land.
