A powerful new tool that can help to get the best outcome from a peat restoration scheme for the least expenditure is being developed by the Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme.
DigiBogHydro simulates water table dynamics in blanket peatlands. You punch in data about an area of drained peatland such as its depth, permeability, and the configuration of ditches, together with rainfall data, and the model will simulate water tables across the peatland. You can then try out different conservation measures to see which delivers the best return, in terms of water-table position, over any time period you choose. Being able to see the hydrological impact of features such as dams and bunds in advance of any work being undertaken, and having a chance to try out different options in the model, will enable more cost-effective restoration work.
The Yorkshire Peat Partnership and Moors for the Future Partnership are partners in the project which draws on research expertise from the Universities of Leeds, Manchester, and Durham. The team will produce a user-friendly version of the model and manual that can be downloaded from the DigiBog website (currently under construction).
