Preserving peat

Stopping the degradation of peat

In the previous lesson, we learned about the threats to peatlands and, in particular, how human pressures have impacted the characteristic peat meadow landscape in the west of the Netherlands. We saw how centuries of land use can completely transform a peatland landscape, and how this history has created major challenges for current land use in this densely populated part of the Netherlands.

So, how can we tackle these challenges? And what can the scientific community contribute to preserving the peat meadow landscape of the western Netherlands? To explore these questions, we will ‘visit’ the Polderlab, where researchers are testing ways to reduce peatland degradation and investigating which solutions work and why.

At the Polderlab Vrouw Venne, Netherlands, researchers work together with farmers and citizens to build a sustainable future for the peat meadow landscape in the west of the Netherlands. It’s their goal “to restore biodiversity and the peat meadow landscape. And that farmers can earn their living sustainably.”