siandara
hatfield moors 032
Thorne and Hatfield Moors are the largest peak bogs in Britain. This peaty wasteland covers almost 10,000 acres. Once 7% of Britain was covered in peat bog, but this is now only one of the few examples to survive.
Peat digging, known locally as "hand graving", dates back to the 14th Century when it was a small-scale local industry.
But by the 1980s it had grown into a large industrial operation, resulting in the devastation of large areas of peatland.
Following a long fight by environmental campaigners, peat excavation was stopped and the area is now being turned into a conservation area.
The peatlands support a huge diversity of wildlife with 5,500 species of invertebrates including 200 different types of birds.
The Humberhead Peatlands are a meeting place of northern and southern species, resulting in a unique species mix.
The acidic peat creates an environment where few bacteria survive and there is no oxygen.
This slows down the process of decay and has preserved a huge number of fossils and early remains. Fossil insects provide a wealth of information about the bog and local environment thousands of years ago.
Safety - The old peat workings and ditches contain deep water which are dangerous so please keep to the paths.
Visit the web chat with Paul Hudson.
hatfield moors 032
Thorne and Hatfield Moors are the largest peak bogs in Britain. This peaty wasteland covers almost 10,000 acres. Once 7% of Britain was covered in peat bog, but this is now only one of the few examples to survive.
Peat digging, known locally as "hand graving", dates back to the 14th Century when it was a small-scale local industry.
But by the 1980s it had grown into a large industrial operation, resulting in the devastation of large areas of peatland.
Following a long fight by environmental campaigners, peat excavation was stopped and the area is now being turned into a conservation area.
The peatlands support a huge diversity of wildlife with 5,500 species of invertebrates including 200 different types of birds.
The Humberhead Peatlands are a meeting place of northern and southern species, resulting in a unique species mix.
The acidic peat creates an environment where few bacteria survive and there is no oxygen.
This slows down the process of decay and has preserved a huge number of fossils and early remains. Fossil insects provide a wealth of information about the bog and local environment thousands of years ago.
Safety - The old peat workings and ditches contain deep water which are dangerous so please keep to the paths.
Visit the web chat with Paul Hudson.