In 2023 the South West Peatland Partnership team completed their restoration works at one of our Bodmin Moor SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). The aim of the project was to restore the peatland ecosystem by restoring hydrology through the blocking of artificial drainage and creating peat bunds to prevent further erosion and raise the water table.

A year on and these restoration works are proving to be a success as active sphagnum moss growth begins and bog plants such as bogbean, sundews and marsh St John’s wort start to recolonise the pools and margins.

Our rangers and environment team continue to maintain the long-term value of these bogs by monitoring the recolonisation of flora and fauna as well as carrying out habitat management works such as the removal of colonising scrub when required. Retaining valuable patches of wet willow scrub alongside very light grazing from livestock will also continue to be implemented, providing variation in vegetation structure and microhabitats for breeding birds, amphibians and invertebrates within the wetlands.

While winter on the moors saw the pools frozen, in spring there was a burst of colour from flowering marsh orchids, waves of cotton-grass and the bog asphodel’s yellow star-like flowers.

Evidence of wildlife soon followed with common frogs and an adder spotted on site. Ten species of dragonflies and damselflies were recorded including the nationally scarce small red damselfly and declining common hawker dragonfly. Common darters were also observed ovipositing their eggs and identified through exuviae (shed laval skins). This is a great sign as it indicates the bog pools have been used for all stages of their life cycle.

Predation of dragonfly species was also noted proving that other animals such as birds, amphibians and small mammals will also be benefiting from the food source they provide.

As one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on earth, storing twice as much carbon as the world’s forests, the restoration of peatlands are an important step in the conservation of wildlife and climate.