Knockfin Heights: a high-altitude Flow Country peatland showing extensive erosion of uncertain origin

A high-altitude peatland at Knockfin Heights in Scotland's Flow Country exhibits significant erosion, with 10.5% of the area covered by bare peat and a notable increase in pool fullness from 30-60% (1946–2005) to 75% in 2016. This suggests potential spontaneous recovery, challenging the necessity for active restoration management. The study used ground surveys (2005) and aerial photographs (1946–2016) to measure bare peat extent and pool fullness, respectively. While erosion causes remain uncertain—ranging from human activity to natural processes—the findings imply that some eroded peatlands may recover without intervention. Further research is recommended to clarify erosion trajectories and causes over the next decade.

Hancock, M. H., England, B., Cowie, N. R.,. (2018). Knockfin Heights: a high-altitude Flow Country peatland showing extensive erosion of uncertain origin. Mires and Peat, 23, 2. https://doi.org/10.19189/map.2018.omb.334