CIEEM 2024 Wales Conference: Peatland Restoration: Approaches and Challenges in Wales

Bookings will close at 12pm on Thursday 25 January 2024.

 

 

Description

In 2022, the Welsh Government’s ‘Deep Dive into Biodiversity’ identified the need to triple peatland restoration in Wales. Why is this necessary and what will it mean for the future landscapes of Wales? What can we learn from the successes (or mistakes) of peatland restoration projects in other areas?

In this conference delivered in partnership with Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales Peatland Action Programme, we will showcase a range of peatland restoration projects and approaches and share learning from all stages of their conception and implementation. Talks will cover national action plans, policies and partnerships to promote restoration, through scoping tools to identify priority areas, to on-the-ground implementation.

We will hear from practitioners deploying innovative techniques to restore the peatland of Wales and monitor the progress of the restoration of a diverse range of sites with multiple partners and stakeholders – from Eryri, through Bannau Brycheiniog to the Rhigos Mountains. Of course, the learning from Wales will be of interest to anybody involved in peatland conservation and restoration across the UK and Ireland.

This conference will allow delegates to further their:
• Understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystem services value of peatlands
• Awareness of national initiatives and local partnerships promoting and delivering peatland restoration
• Knowledge of practical techniques for implementing and monitoring peatland restoration projects at a range of scales

Knowledge Level

Suitable for all

 

Field Trip

For those who can’t tear themselves away, we are pleased to offer a guided tour of Crymlyn Bog on the morning after the conference on Thursday 1 February from 0930-1230. LIFEquake is a £5m Natural Resources Wales-hosted peatland restoration project with a main focus on restoring Quaking Bog and Transition Mire habitat at Crymlyn Bog National Nature Reserve just outside Swansea. 

The landscape at Crymlyn is fascinating and unique, as well as being the largest area of lowland fen in Wales and home to the fen raft spider. 

Gareth Thomas is senior LIFEquake project officer. He will give some overviews of the project and challenges of working in this setting in a 30 minute presentation at the Visitor Centre, followed by a 90 minute guided walk around the reserve. 

The walk is a full loop of the National Nature Reserve and is mostly boardwalk and flat woodland floor, with a slight incline leading back to the Visitor Centre. We suggest wellies or walking boots as it can be muddy. The visitor centre will be open both before and after the tour, and tea and coffee will be available. 

World Wetlands Day (WWD) is the following day, Friday 2nd February, and the LIFEquake team will be reporting on the guided walk as part of NRW’s communications marking WWD. 

Please note that there is maximum of 20 attendees for this free field trip. To book your place, please contact training@cieem.net with the number of attendees, names and contact phone number. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer transport for this field trip.

 

Tickets

Bookings will close at 12pm on Thursday 25 January 2024.