Passion for Peatlands Begins Early
Dr Peter Jones has dedicated the last 30 years to working in bogs, fens, and wetlands, focusing on their restoration to address climate change and other environmental challenges. His extensive work in this field has earned him the nickname "The Bogfather."
These ecosystems are critical in the fight against the climate crisis, offering a nature-based solution that simultaneously addresses climate change, flooding, wildfires, and biodiversity loss. Policymakers have found his approach increasingly compelling.
Peatlands, despite covering only 4% of Wales' land area, store 30% of its land-based carbon. However, approximately 90% of these peatlands are degraded, causing them to release greenhouse gases instead of sequestering carbon.
Healthy peatlands slow water flow, reducing flood risks, and serve as natural firebreaks during wildfires—both of which are expected to increase with climate change. Protecting and restoring these areas has become Dr Jones's lifelong mission.
"I certainly wouldn't have come up with that myself,"he said, referring to his nickname.
"A couple of our younger, enthusiastic colleagues started calling me that."
The nickname has endured, and given his extensive contributions to peatland restoration, it is widely accepted, according to colleague Hanna Huws.
Early Interest and Academic Background
Dr Jones's fascination with the natural world began with an interest in birds, but his passion for peatlands was sparked at age eight during a rainy visit to Cors Caron, a national nature reserve near Tregaron.
Now in his 60s, his enthusiasm continues, often leading him to pause during walks to examine peatland features, much to the amusement of his family.
He describes wetlands as among the UK's last truly natural environments, noting their wild characteristics and genuine natural habitat qualities.
What captivates him most is what lies beneath the surface.
"A peat soil is basically composed of the partially decomposed remains of plants.
As the peat grows, it traps within it anything that falls on the surface... grains of pollen, dust, even bits of volcanic ash and even bigger objects,"he explained, including bodies.
Peter Jones studied plant science at Cardiff University
Historical Context and Degradation Causes
The degradation of 90% of Wales' peatlands stems from historical undervaluation. Trees were planted, and drainage encouraged to convert peatlands for agricultural use.
Dr Jones emphasized the cultural and social significance of peatlands in Wales.
"In past centuries rural communities may not have had very much money, there often wasn't very much wood around to burn and so peat was seen as a really important source of fuel."
Drainage of peatlands leads to increased erosion, creating "peat cliffs" where surrounding peat has been worn away by wind and rain down to bedrock.
Damaged peatland happens when water is drained from the area
Indicators of Healthy Peatland and Restoration Efforts
The presence of specific plants indicates healthy peatland, including grasses, sedges, heathers, and notably bog mosses of the genus Sphagnum.
"This moss, which can hold 20 times its own weight in water, is really good at building peat,"Dr Jones noted.
He and his colleagues collaborate with farmers and landowners to restore peatlands, which, when healthy, support diverse fauna, including many scarce or threatened invertebrates.
Sphagnum moss can hold 20 times its own weight in water, making it perfect for restoring wetlands
Favorite Species and Biodiversity
Dr Jones's favorite species is the fly orchid found in fens on Anglesey, where he resides.
"It's a fascinating plant,"he said.
Despite resembling flies, the flowers attract digger wasps by mimicking female pheromones. Male wasps attempt to mate with the flowers, inadvertently collecting pollen and transferring it to other orchids.
The fly orchid attracts male digger wasps to pollinate them by deceiving them into believing them to be female wasps
Restoration Techniques and Progress
Wales has limited healthy peatland, but over 100 restoration methods exist, such as blocking drains and ditches and re-establishing bog vegetation.
Peat accumulates at approximately one millimeter per year, meaning one meter of peat can take up to 1,000 years to form.
Wales has been managing some peatlands for over 50 years, with increasing societal awareness in recent years.
"We're committed to getting up to restoring around about 1,800 hectares per year by the end of 2030-1."
Challenges and Collective Efforts
Dr Jones acknowledges the urgency of peatland restoration.
"It is a pressing issue,"he said.
"As climate change gradually progresses, the task of restoring some of our peatlands is going to be made a bit more difficult because there'll be less rainfall in the summer."
He highlighted the presence of similar teams nationwide and the importance of collaboration.
"People might not at first sight think this is a special place, but it is,"he said.
"Every peatland in Wales has got a different story to it, it's evolved in a different way."
Peter Jones was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to Welsh peatlands and to the community in Wales
Peter Jones says restored peatland will help the country's resilience in the fight against climate change
