Picturesque peatland

As the seasons change, peatlands glow in the autumn light, the low sun creating golden hues in the vegetation and reflections of clouds bouncing off the water’s surface. Peatlands are home to a huge array of unusual plants and wildlife, from cotton grass to little owl and hairy dragonfly. As well as supporting wildlife, these now-rare landscapes provide huge ecosystem services, including carbon capture and storage, as well as flood defence. As plants die and slowly decay in waterlogged conditions, the carbon they absorbed during their lifetime is stored within the forming peat. UK peatlands are thought to hold 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon!

Clapton Moor: Take in views across the tranquil Clapton Moor reserve and the Gordano Valley from the bird hide. The waterlogged conditions created here by the raised water level support abundant invertebrates, which in turn provide a valuable food source for the visiting waders.

North Somerset Levels and Moors: A large portion of the North Somerset Levels and Moors sits on peatland, and we are working with neighbouring landowners and our dedicated teams of volunteers to improve this landscape for wildlife and people alike.