The Marches Mosses form the UK’s third largest lowland peatbog in the UK, one of the rarest habitats on earth.  Tragically over 96% have been destroyed after hundreds of years of exploitation.  The BogLIFE Project is restoring 665ha of the Mosses to improve their habitat and valuable eco-systems – critical for large scale carbon storage.

Restoration on this scale has never been done before in the UK.  This involved careful design with effective community and stakeholder engagement.  Downstream flooding will be prevented by the drainage diversion and innovative water control techniques, allowing the natural rainwater balance to keep the peat wet and reducing run off – this is crucial for greater carbon capture.  By slowing the flow of rainwater off the Mosses and keeping the ‘wrong’ nutrient rich water away, the peat will filter the water to improve water quality entering the River Severn and the River Dee.  Close collaboration and team working, throughout a pandemic achieved a successful delivery. 

Bronington Manor Drain Diversion & Worlds End Fields were 2 main schemes on the project looking at improving water control measures to help restore this rare habitat.  At Bronington there was a need to raise water levels as well as divert the drain into re-profiled ditches cut around the northern edge of Fenn’s Moss. The challenge at World’s End Fields was altering drainage constructed some 42 years earlier without adversely affecting neighbouring agricultural land or increasing flood risk to properties.  The works included new infrastructure to control water levels and re-introduction of gravity drainage wherever possible.  Flood banks were created around the perimeter of restored land minimising flood risk.  By regaining control of the hydrology these schemes will help the rare historic peatbog habitats across the Marches Mosses regenerate into healthy functioning eco-systems.  

A third scheme at Morris Bridge Fields focussed on the lowland raised bog within the Fenns, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses and National Nature Reserves on the England/Wales border.   Shropshire Wildlife Trust had to ensure that shallow surface water conditions could be maintained across parts of the site during the spring and summer periods providing habitat favourable for waders and wildfowl, the development of wetland vegetation and improving carbon storage.  The works included: excavation of a wetland pond, construction of clay bunds, stone access platforms and car parking, drainage works with plastic piling to support a canal embankment. 

These 3 schemes were completed between 2020-22 as part of  The Marches Mosses BogLIFE project, and have been widely recognised for their sustainable approach, winning a Sustainability Award and the regional Project Award, and with a nomination for the international ICE ‘Peoples Choice’ Award 2022.

“This peatland site was written off by experts 30 years ago as not worth the effort – now it’s a leading exemplar of what can be done to revive our precious peatlands.”  Robert Duff, Marches Mosses BogLIFE Project Manager, Natural England.