Using historical mapping to identify former peatland boundaries

Governments are tasked with identifying lands suitable for restoration under the new Nature Restoration Law and meeting binding carbon reduction targets under the Paris Climate Agreement. It is widely recognised that peatland restoration can help meet these targets. In Ireland, agencies are tasked with the identification of over 80,000ha of grassland on peat to better manage carbon emissions, however identification of these former peatlands remains challenging. In the early 1800’s a detailed survey of large peatlands was commissioned to exploit these resources. The Bog Commissioners Reports identified and mapped over 0.5M ha of peatland (ca. 34% of all peatlands) across Ireland. In this study we ascertained the accuracy of these maps and used them to assist in the identification of areas suitable for carbon management. We found the maps to be highly accurate (18.7m RSME) for site-specific and landscape planning, found that over 85% of peatland exist in degraded status, and identified extensive areas of grassland over organic soils. This study will assist agencies to coordinate national efforts to establish management of these resources.