Authors:
Rebekka R.E. Artz; David D. Donnelly; Stephen J. Chapman; Matt Aitkenhead; Roger Cummins; Jo Smith; Pete Smith; Clifton Bain and Andrew Coupar
Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Stockholm
Keywords:
decision-making-tool, gis, peatlands, policy, restoration
Documentfile:
Artz et al 2012: Wise Peatland Choices - a GIS Based Tool to Prioritise Restoration Opportunities on the Peatlands of Scotland
Summary:
Theme I. Inventory, stratigraphy and conservation of mires and peatlands
SUMMARY
Under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, there is a requirement to aid the restoration of 600,000 hectares of peatlands in Scotland. Many of the Scottish peatlands are in poor condition, at least 50% of the blanket bog and over 90% of the raised bog resource has been damaged by poor management practices. We are developing a decision support tool, based on engagement with the stakeholder community and underpinned by national data of carbon stocks, habitat condition and future climatic scenario modelling, to enable policy makers and land managers to obtain the best possible information on where such habitat restoration could be most optimally employed.