Upscaling Enhanced Peat Growth Using Heather Brash

Healthy peatlands act as long-term carbon sinks, but natural peat formation is slow compared with the pace of climate change. Enhancing carbon inputs with organic amendments is one potential way to accelerate peat accumulation. Biochar has been proposed for this purpose, but its cost and limited availability pose challenges. This project investigates whether woody biomass—specifically heather brash—can offer a practical and efficient alternative.

Heather brash is abundant in many peatland landscapes and is often removed through routine management. Because woody biomass has comparable carbon storage potential to biochar, requires minimal processing, and is readily available, it may provide a scalable solution. Its bulk also helps fill degraded peat surfaces more quickly, potentially restoring near-natural peat-forming conditions.

Working at Hatfield Moors, where extensive research infrastructure exists, the project will establish controlled hectare-scale experiments. Large volumes of woody biomass will be added to raise land levels and create hydrological conditions favourable for renewed peat growth. The work will assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and carbon sequestration potential of using heather brash to accelerate peatland recovery.