1. European Peatlands 515,000 km sq Undecomposed organic material Largest tracts in northern regions Cool wet climate ideal for formation

2. Uses

3. Threats HUMANS! – “slowly renewing” resource – 1000-5000 years for one peatland to be created! – Usual formation about 1 mm/year! Status Only 5 countries have > 50% of original peatland remaining EU wants to end horticultural use EU attempting to protect wetlands for migrating birds

4. Environmental Issues Drainage for agriculture and extraction causing: – Release of carbon dioxide, methane and heavy metals – Loss of habitat – Risk of fires

5. Some native species of peat bogs Early marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata) Large Heath Butterfly (Coenonympha tullia) Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)

6. Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) Common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)