Research
The effects of peatland restoration on water quality
Research Status:current
We are investigating the effects of peatland restoration on water quality.
The research focuses on the effects of forest clearance and management techniques such as drain blocking, ground smoothing and mulching on water quality, with a focus on nutrient and dissolved organic carbon transport.
Photo credit: Neil McInnes
Our studies span five locations across Scotland including sites sensitive for freshwater pearl mussels and Atlantic salmon. Study locations include Flanders Moss, a large raised bog in central Scotland, blanket peat in northern Scotland and an intermediate bog in Galloway, southern Scotland.
This project aims to assess the impacts of peatland restoration by clearfelling on water quality focusing on phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transport. Phosphorus losses can have negative impacts on aquatic ecology including the freshwater pearl mussel and salmon, whilst DOC losses are important from both an ecological and a climate change perspective.
Preliminary results indicate that phosphate concentrations increased at all three monitoring sites following felling, but differences between the sites reflect local conditions and the management techniques employed. DOC concentrations increased at two out of three sites, but the increase appears to be short-lived.
The project began in 2008 and is due to be completed in 2018, although some components may continue beyond that time. Data is still being collected at the sites with additional monitoring in place to look at the effects of mulching on water quality. The results are now being prepared for presentation and publication.
The results will assess the need for improved guidance on best practice for forest removal for peatland restoration
Forestry Commission and Forestry Commission Scotland. This research is primarily funded by the Forestry Commission delivering resilient forests research programme.
Forestry Commission policy
The protection of the water environment is a key element of sustainable forestry and this research directly supports the Forestry Commission policy of achieving sustainable forest management in the UK.
In addition Country Forestry Strategies (Scotland, England, and Wales) identify the need to protect and enhance water resources with the water related aims based on the EU Water Framework Directive (2000), which establishes the principal framework for protecting and improving the water environment
Different management techniques are employed to deal with tree material generated during clearfelling on peatland restoration and wind farm development sites. Where timber is not deemed suitable for sale, the preference in many cases is to leave the tree material on-site often as mulch (chipped) or brash. This collaborative project is investigating whether the restoration techniques lead to negative environmental impacts on soil and water quality and, subsequently, on ecology and river morphology. We have two experimental sites, one on the RSPB’s Forsinard Flows Reserve and the other in the River Oykel catchment on the National Forest Estate.
Baseline data is now being collected
The project began in 2017.
The results will assess the need for improved guidance on best practice for peatland restoration by clearfelling.
This research is primarily funded by the Forestry Commission delivering resilient forests research programme and through Service Level Agreements with Forestry Commission Scotland and Forest Enterprise Scotland.
Forestry Commission policy
Protection of the water environment is a key element of sustainable forestry and this research directly supports the Forestry Commission policy of achieving sustainable forest management in the UK.
In addition Country Forestry Strategies (Scotland, England, and Wales) identify the need to protect and enhance water resources with the water related aims based on the EU Water Framework Directive (2000), which establishes the principal framework for protecting and improving the water environment.
Understand the effects of peatland restoration on water quality by undertaking water quality and flow monitoring before and after restoration.
Interpret the results in terms of potential impacts upon aquatic ecology and the carbon balance.
Based upon the findings of the project, assess the effectiveness of the existing water guidelines for controlling potential impacts, identify any deficiencies or gaps and, if needed, provide additional guidance on operational practice for water protection.
Results from Flanders Moss show that forest clearance for peatland restoration can impact negatively upon water quality due to phosphate, DOC, colour and suspended sediment releases. The mechanisms by which the releases occur require further investigation but are thought to be driven by nutrient leaching from forest residues, soil disturbance by machine trafficking and indirect effects of forest clearance, such as water table rise following cessation of forest water use. Climatic effects also play a significant role, particularly drying-rewetting cycles and periods of extended drought. To prevent negative impacts, phased felling and less intensive forest harvesting techniques should be employed.
FR are leading the studies including the fieldwork, data analysis and interpretation and reporting.
Phased felling and low impact harvesting can effectively control negative impacts of forest clearance for peatland restoration
This Practice Guide provides advice to forest managers, practitioners, planners and supervisors, on how forest operations should be planned and managed to protect the water environment.
PhD studentship •Quantifying carbon accumulation and loss in afforested peatlands
Hydrologist
