Soil and land - Publications

Peatlands improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and lower emissions, but many have been drained. This study assesses how prior drainage has impacted the properties of peat in restored boreal peatlands. The peat is drastically different – and rewetting does not restore its former properties.

The concept of soil security (preventing soil degradation) is vital for policymakers. This research proposes nine core principles to guide the development of soil legislation and help ensure sustainable land management.

Good ponds bring huge increases in biodiversity, but they also suffer impacts and losses from agriculture and urban development. This study compares the results of creating new ponds versus restoring old ones, to combat declines in freshwater wildlife.

Reintroduction of carnivores can be challenging for farmers. This study provides insight into the opportunities and barriers of tailoring communication between conservationists and farmers when considering conservation interventions in the UK and the EU, using the case study of the European wildcat.

Restoring and maintaining wetlands in agricultural watersheds helps to combat water scarcity. Modelling the trade-offs of restoration versus agricultural-use in a Spanish study indicates that the benefits of wetland creation and restoration outweigh the costs in most climate scenarios.

Restoring and maintaining wetlands in agricultural watersheds helps to combat water scarcity. Modelling the trade-offs of restoration versus agricultural-use in a Spanish study indicates that the benefits of wetland creation and restoration outweigh the costs in most climate scenarios.

An understanding of river ecosystem services helps with the EU’s mission to restore 25,000km of waterways. This paper quantifies the economic and nature benefits and costs of different river management systems on the Rhine Branches. A multifunctional, nature-based approach works best.

Large scale forest restoration across Europe is challenging to implement and monitor. Researchers surveyed conservation practitioners to understand the ecological, economic, social and policy barriers faced. They found that restoration requires a holistic approach, learning from all stakeholders.

A roadmap towards nature credits.