Molinia Research Project

Our peatland team; Iona, Ben, Hsin and Lois, are working with Aberystwyth University and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology on a research project to help us better understand the effects the native grass, Molinia, may be having on our peatlands.

Molinia is a grass naturally found in peatlands, however in the Elan Valley we are experiencing dense, dominant Molinia, rather than smaller patches of it amongst other vegetation, such as Heather, Bilberries (whinberry/wimberry), Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel, Sedges and Sphagnum mosses. These plants are all common of a healthy peatland.

Image: Molinia grass, looking over to Drygarn Fawr

It is quite unusual to find such dense Molinia in any landscape, so the research teams have come up with a plan to try and determine if the Molinia is having a negative impact on our peatlands in relation to carbon emissions. We already know that too much Molinia can stop other plants growing around it, as the Molinia grows tall in ‘hummocks’ it shades out many other plants trying to grow beneath it.

Image: Bog Asphodel growing amongst Cotton Grass and mosses

Now, to understand if Molinia is causing the peatland to release more carbon than a typical healthy peatland, we have put in several ‘dip-wells’ across 3 sites on the estate. These measure the water table, so we can see just how much water is beneath the surface of the peat. Then, we have ‘peat cameras’ on Elan Valley Trust land which will take pictures throughout the day to capture if the bog is moving up and down with the water table! Lastly, we will put out some ‘emissions collars’, these will be placed on the ground and capture gas inside them.  These will analyse just how much Carbon and Methane is being released from the ground and we can compare it to other sites with less Molinia dominance.

Image: Dip-wells in the ground, and a stake so we don’t lose them.

This research is very exciting and interesting, and the results from it will help us build a picture of the landscape so we can plan better for the future if the chance arises to restore the peatlands of the Elan Valley. So, if you see some funky looking things in the ground, rest assured, they are meant to be there! We’ll keep you posted with the progress of this research and any results we find.

The Peat Team

Iona, Ben, Hsin and Lois