Creating A New Approach to Peatland Ecosystems (CANAPE)

Wetlands such as fens and bogs are natural systems with great carbon storage and water retention capacity. They used to be a major part of the landscape in the low lying areas around the North Sea. Over time these flat landscapes covered in moss, grasses, reeds and sedges, broken up by shallow lakes and rivers, have lain down layer after layer of partially decomposed organic matter called peat. For centuries peat has been an important resource, as people have drained the fens and bogs for land to produce food, and used the dried peat as a fuel. This leads to releases of CO₂ from the dried peat and a reduction in capacity of the land to store water leading to reduced protection from floods.

CANAPE restores drained and degraded wetlands that can function as flexible buffers, storing excess water in times of high precipitation and releasing it during periods of drought whilst helping to keep carbon safely in the ground. The project explores how paludiculture – growing crops adapted to wetlands – can provide economic value whilst maintaining the vital ecosystem services. As an extra bonus, restored wetlands provide much-needed wildlife habitat.