Indicators that rewetted peatland stalled wildfire spread! - Natural Resources Wales

Recent wildfires in mid Wales have highlighted the significant benefits of peatland restoration, with rewetted peatland at Llyn Gorast, Tywi Forest, acting as an effective firebreak.

An initial assessment of the Llyn Gorast site has revealed that areas where peatland was restored and rewetted were notably more resilient to the fires. Unlike the surrounding singed peat and earth, green pools with sphagnum moss regrowth were observed to have acted as natural firebreaks, limiting the fire’s spread across the landscape.

This outcome further demonstrates the value of restoration efforts under the National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP), funded by the Welsh Government and managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

In 2023, restoration work was completed at part of the Llyn Gorast site, which involved constructing dams and contour bunds to raise water levels and reduce erosion. These actions are crucial in restoring the integrity of heavily eroded peatland sites.

Healthy, rewetted peatlands, such as those at Llyn Gorast, support the growth of wet sphagnum moss, which absorbs up to 20 times its weight in water. This moisture retention helps prevent the spread of wildfires. In contrast, damaged peatlands can become colonised by Molinia grass, which is highly flammable when dry, increasing the risk of fire.