Peat Bogs

Question 1

What are the peat bogs?

Answer 1

Peat bogs are sensitive habitats as they take hundreds to thousands of years to form. They are formed from decaying plant matter in very wet, acidic conditions. Many varieties of moss and small plants, and a rich invertebrate population, grow in this habitat.

Question 2

What do the peat bogs store?

Answer 2

Peat bogs are also a significant store of carbon, and their destruction increases atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Question 3

What are the conflicts?

Answer 3

Conflict
• Peat used to be a source of fuel, until alternatives were used.
• Peat is in high demand by gardeners to improve their garden soil.
This sparked a renewed industry in peat removal and

Question 4

What are the solutions that have been developed ?

Answer 4

Solutions
• Alternative fuels to peat are now used.
• Peat bogs have been protected, preserved, and actively conserved.
• Education programmes have made gardeners aware of the impact of using peat in their compost and sustainable alternatives have been developed