Ecological restoration of peatlands requires continued observation of their development after field interventions have been completed. Throughout 2026, the team at the Research and Development Institute for Wildlife and Mountain Resources (ICDCRM) continued investigations in peatlands rehabilitated through the “Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in the Central Region” Re-Peat project. Repeated field visits and sampling campaigns were conducted under the ADER 23.1.5 project, ensuring continuity in the study of these ecosystems.
From restoration measures to long-term assessment
The RePeat project approached peatland restoration through measures tailored to the degradation status and pressures identified at each site. Planned activities addressed the restoration of hydrological conditions, the reduction of grazing impacts, the management of invasive vegetation and support for the recovery of characteristic plant communities. Ecosystem assessments and investigations into the physicochemical properties of peat and water sources were also part of the project’s approach. Continued research makes it possible to follow the development of these sites beyond the completion of restoration works. Peatland responses to restoration measures unfold over time, and individual observations need to be complemented by repeated investigations to describe their development.
Repeated field campaigns under ADER 23.1.5
Throughout the year, our colleagues returned to the rehabilitated sites on several occasions, conducting field observations and collecting samples under the ADER 23.1.5 project. These activities contribute to a dataset needed to characterise the current condition of the peatlands and track changes following restoration. Repeating investigations at different times of the year is important for interpreting data in the context of seasonal variability. Precipitation, temperature and periods of water deficit can influence field conditions and sample characteristics. Assessing site development therefore requires comparing successive observations while considering the conditions under which samples were collected.
The importance of monitoring peatland functioning
Hydrological conditions play a central role in peatland functioning. Moisture conditions influence the preservation of peat, the decomposition of organic matter and the persistence of characteristic vegetation. Interpreting observed changes therefore requires consideration of the relationships between water, substrate and the biological components of the ecosystem. Data collected through successive campaigns can support the assessment of site recovery trajectories and the identification of pressures that may persist. They also provide a basis for assessing whether additional maintenance or conservation measures are needed, taking the specific characteristics of each site into account.
Continuity between restoration, research and conservation
Through activities conducted under ADER 23.1.5, ICDCRM continues the scientific monitoring of peatlands rehabilitated through Re-Peat. Connecting restoration measures with subsequent research is essential for documenting the development of these habitats and supporting management decisions based on field observations. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of how peatlands respond to restoration measures and environmental conditions, supporting the long-term protection of these vulnerable ecosystems.
