Exmoor Mires Partnership
Introduction to Mires
Mires are peat accumulating habitats - such as blanket bogs, valley bogs and fens. Blanket bog is the commonest mire type on Exmoor with over 30sq km present but it is a globally scarce habitat with a unique association of plants and animals; 20% of the total world blanket bog area occurs in the British Isles. On Exmoor blanket bog and peat covers the central moorland but it has been dried out by centuries of moorland reclamation, drainage and domestic peat-cutting. As a result it has lost its water holding abilities and many of the interesting plants, animals and birds and become dominated by moorland grasses.
Mire Restoration
Mire restoration on Exmoor with ditch blocking and water management techniques has been successfully happening since 1998. Research and monitoring into the effects of this work on the moorlands and their hydrology, wildlife and other aspects is also a crucial part of the project.
Exmoor Mires Partnership
A Partnership between the following organisations and individuals helps to deliver peatland restoration in a holistic manner:
Historic England
Environment Agency
Exmoor Farmers and Commoners representatives
Exmoor National Park Authority
Exmoor Society
Natural England
South West Water Limited
Local Universities including Exeter and Bristol
For further information about all the work of the project or to contact us please go to
Website: www.exmoormires.org.uk
Email:: exmoormires@gmail.com
Drop in at: Exmoor Mires Project Office, 7-9 Fore Street, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9EX
Phone: 01398 315010