![](https://theflowcountry.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Moine-House-3-credit-James-Carter-768x514.jpg)
![](https://theflowcountry.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Moine-House-3-credit-James-Carter-768x514.jpg)
Ben Loyal seen across a bog pool near Moine House, near Tongue, Sutherland.
Dùthaich nam boglaichean
What are peatlands?
Peatlands are areas of land with naturally accumulating layers of peat.
Peatlands are wet, acidic habitats. As sphagnum mosses and other plant matter which make up the peatland’s surface die, these conditions prevent the full decomposition of dead plant matter, instead forming peat. Over thousands of years, this peat accumulates, forming deep layers.
![Flow country with snowy mountains in background](https://theflowcountry.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LGD8179.jpg)
Lorne Gill
Why are peatlands so important?
Peatlands have a vital role in mitigating the threat of climate change. This is because of their ability to capture and store carbon dioxide.
All green plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, when the plants die, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere – unless the plant material is preserved in some way.
That’s why peat bogs are so important as a defence against climate change. Forests can store carbon more quickly than peatland, but most of it is released when the trees rot away or are burnt as fuel. The moss and other plants do not fully decay so the bogs are able to store carbon for thousands of years.
![Flow country with snowy mountains in background](https://theflowcountry.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LGD8131.jpg)
Lorne Gill