Peatlands and the Historic Environment



Image: Sphagnum moss, Munsary © Richard Lindsay

Peatlands and the Historic Environment

This Review summarises available information about the potential of peatlands to preserve historical evidence and describe the distribution of known archaeological sites in peatlands.

The Review Team discusses the unique character of the peatland historic environment and its relation to policies regarding ‘cultural value’, and consider current and possible future threats to the resource, including changes in land use and anthropogenic factors, synergies with climate change and possible conflicts with current policies and management.

Issues of the management of the historic environment of peatlands in relation to other review topics are also considered.

Scientific Review

Please note, the views expressed in this review are those of the authors. The IUCN UK Peatland Programme is not responsible for the content of this review and does not necessarily endorse the views contained within.

This Review is funded by English Heritage.

Review Team

This review is lead by Dr Ben Gearey of the University of Birmingham.

Ben Gearey is Research Fellow in the Institute of Archaeology, University of Birmingham. His current research interests include the environmental archaeology of wetlands with a particular focus on lowland mire systems.

 

 

Molinia Mulching Agglestone Mire, remover higher tussocks to increase the connectivity of the floodplain (c) Sally Wallington
Dorset peatland restorationThe Dorset Peat Partnership completed the first of their sixteen peatland restoration sites in…
Work begins at Duchal Moor. © Giulia Spilotros/Glasgow Green Network Clyde Valley
Council leads the way with major peatland restoration project A three-year project to restore an area of peatland larger than 780 football pitches in Inverclyde…
Eyes on the Bog logo
Funding for Eyes on the Bog users Our Eyes on the Bog Fund aims to support existing Eyes on the Bog users to purchase new equipment,…
Forest to Bog Restoration cover image and example spread
New report showcases successes in forest to bog restoration'Forest to Bog Restoration: Demonstrating Success', the fourth publication the series, highlights…
Sphagnum pulchrum © Brian Eversham
Don't miss our 'Measuring biodiversity: from principles to practice' webinar!Join the IUCN UK Peatland Programme for this free webinar as we explore traditional and…
Sphagnum lindbergii (c) Emma Hinchliffe
Introducing our species showcasesThroughout 2024, we are celebrating peatland biodiversity through a series of monthly showcases…
Emperor moth (C) Pete Quinn
Come and volunteer with us!We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Communications Volunteer who can help us with our…
Snowdon (c) Marian Pye
Fill in the PeatQuest Survey to shape global peatland researchThe PeatQuest Research Project team are inviting you to participate in their global survey, as your…
Peter Jones
New Year Honours for peatland specialistNatural Resources Wales’ senior peatland specialist, Dr Peter Jones, has been awarded an MBE for…
Saltyco Engine Farm Paludiculture trials (C) E Hinchliffe
Paludiculture call for evidence for Peatland CodePlease fill in our survey! We are inviting evidence for all paludiculture sites and all crop types…
Screenshot of Virtual Peatland Pavilion
New Virtual Peatland PavilionThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Richard Lindsay have produced a new Virtual Peatland Pavilion,…
Clifton Bain (c) IUCN UK PP
Clifton Bain retires after 14 yearsAfter 14 years at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, our Programme Advisor Clifton Bain, is retiring.…