Holme Fen case study: the challenges of peat restoration in lowland fens

In the 1850’s it was decided to drain Whittlesea Mere, the last great mere in the Cambridgeshire fens, to create more land for food production. It was realised at the time that this would result in peat shrinkage and loss through oxidation, and a post was installed to monitor the shrinkage. Today, the Holme Fen posts protrude over 4m above ground level, and the water table sits 1 to 2m below ground level. This presentation describes the challenges associated with raising the water table on some of the lowest peatland in England.

Presenter: Martin Parsons, Peatland Restoration Officer, Natural England & Fens East Peat Partnership