Irrecoverable natural capital

A recent report has highlighted the value of peatlands' role in carbon capture and, important, as a vast carbon store.

The report is highlighted in the Nature journal (from where a PDF download is possible), and is summarised in a recent Guardian article.

The study "Mapping the irrecoverable carbon in Earth's ecosystems" looks at carbon stocks, how they can be managed, the vulnerability of those stocks and what, if lost, might be the recovery rate. All this is considered in the context of meeting the COP26 1.5% target. The calculation of 'irrecoverable' is made on what could not be recovered through natural regeneration, if lost, by 2050.

This is global mapping study. In the UK peat bogs represent an important resource in respect of both carbon sequestration and storage; representing the most pristine and recoverable peatland - the vast area of degraded peatland in East Anglia is a far greater challenge.

Irrecoverable carbon stores strongly overlap with areas of rich wildlife, and we know our upland peatlands are the last redoubt of many red and amber listed ground nesting birds.

Image: Emily Graham

All the more reason to be aware of the risks. Besides changing climate, the greatest risk to peatland is wildfire. As Prince William referenced in his recent remarks to the Tusk Trust - that environment, conservation and climate change are now very much parts of a single equation - all tools to minimise risk need to be considered in the mix when looking at any issue regarding nature.

With that in mind more attention should be given to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) engagement with the Eastern Mournes Wildfire Project. The JNCC is a public body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and International nature conservation.

The project in the Eastern Mournes brought together the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue, the Mourne Heritage Trust and NI Water and created a holistic programme around managing the risk of wildfire. This included controlled 'cold burns' and working with landowners to manage grazing, to create both fire 'choke points' and to reduce potential 'fuel load' - the two critical factors in reducing risk.

Just as indigenous peoples in the rain forests understand land management, as became clear following the extensive Australian wildfires in 2019, Upland farmers and estates often plan decades ahead and see conservation outcomes in terms of generations rather than a quick fix or short-term grant project.

All too often those with local knowledge and a generational understanding of the land are not consulted in respect of the management of the landscape. What this report in Nature suggests is that Agencies and Government need to listen more to those with a long-standing generational and working relationship with the land.

Image: Emily Graham

Peatland carbon stores are precious. It needs the engagement of all stakeholders, particularly those close to the land, to assure the safety and sustainability of our landscapes.