Peatland - GCSE Geography Definition

Peatland is a type of wetland area where the ground is made up mostly of peat, which is a thick, spongy layer of partially decayed plants. Peat forms when plant material doesn’t fully break down due to waterlogged conditions, creating a unique habitat for many plants and animals. These areas are important for the environment because they store a lot of carbon, which helps reduce climate change by keeping it out of the atmosphere. Peatlands are found in places like bogs and mires and can be damaged by activities like farming, draining, or burning. Protecting peatlands helps to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change.