Regenerating raised bogs efficiently and effectively

HUB BERN | Project LANAT-4

Our goal:

Development of the scientific foundations and expertise required to regenerate raised bogs efficiently and effectively.

The Mirrenegg raised bog is a habitat for highly specialized animal and plant species. Photo: Naturplan AG — The Mirrenegg raised bog is a habitat for highly specialized animal and plant species. **Photo:** Naturplan AG

In a nutshell:

Raised bogs and fens are unique ecosystems with highly specialized animal and plant species. Intact, water-saturated peatlands store large amounts of carbon, thus helping to protect the climate. They also store water, helping to reduce peaks in river discharge and stabilize the microclimate. Peatlands are among the most endangered habitats in Switzerland. They have been under strict protection since 1987, when Swiss voters approved the Rothenthurm initiative to preserve and restore the country’s remaining peatlands where necessary and possible.

Restoring raised bogs is technically complex. Many sites still lack the necessary knowledge, experience, and outcome monitoring. Most raised bogs have been disturbed by human use, with the extent of damage depending on the history of this use (e.g. drainage, peat extraction). To make the best of available funds, this project identified and created a priority list of bogs in need of restoration. The need for restoration is categorized as “urgent” where aerial photographs show visible drainage structures within the respective bog, and as “high” where drainage structures are visible in the bog’s catchment. For the prioritized bogs, we are currently collecting the basic data needed, planning and implementing restoration measures, and monitoring results.

Fens are often located in the catchments of raised bogs. Drainage structures usually run through the entire area and cause hydrological disturbances in the peatland soils. By locating these drainage ditches, we can identify and prioritize those that severely impair the water balance, and on that basis regenerate the affected fen and raised bog areas.

While expert opinions differ on the best approaches to peatland regeneration, an evaluation of completed projects has assessed the appropriateness and effectiveness of the selected regeneration measures in eight peatlands. Based on this, experts will formulate best practice recommendations and identify gaps in research.

Progress on restoring peatlands in Switzerland has been slower than desired, partly due to a lack of peatland experts. This is set to change, thanks to a new CAS course in peatland ecology (taught in German and French), which was launched in 2024 and has met with great interest. The course was developed by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève (HEPIA), with financial support from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Wyss Academy. Bern’s peatlands will be used as case studies for the students, and the knowledge gained can in turn be incorporated into new regeneration projects.