Cumbria's Paludiculture Story
A paludiculture pilot in Cumbria involves more sustainable use of designated peatland soils that are adjacent to protected wetland sites, in order to safeguard their carbon storage and ensure their productive usage without drainage.
Image: CC Stock Photo
Useful learnings from Cumbria's Paludiculture
Peatlands not only store carbon but also provide other vital ecosystem services such as regulating water flow, conserving biodiversity and supplying forest products. These co-benefits should be quantified and included in any cost-benefit analysis.
Reeds harvested from wetlands have many potential uses, from biogas feedstock to animal fodder, insulation and thatching.
This pilot project has demonstrated the reality of managing wet habitats successfully for agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Cumbria's Paludiculture Metrics
Conservation of biodiversity
Sustainable supply of forest products
Improved regulation of water flow