Peatlands and Wetlands

The Peatlands and Wetlands SIG provides a forum to unite researchers working across all aspects of peatland and wetland science. The group has recently reformed and are interested in understanding peatlands and wetlands of the past, present and future.

Contact

Co-Chairs: Scott Davidson and Nick Girkin

Social media: Twitter

Join the Committee

Early Career Researcher Representative

As the first ECR representative of the newly revamped BES Peatlands and Wetlands SIG, you will work closely with the co-chairs and members to support ECR members. This is a voluntary position ideal for individuals who are enthusiastic about peatlands/wetlands, and community engagement. Along with the whole committee, you will also support planning SIG events.

If you are interested in applying, please write a short statement about your suitability for the role, answering the following questions (max 400 words overall):

1. Why are you interested in the role of ECR Representative with the Peatlands and Wetlands Special Interest Group?

2. What are your primary research interests?

3. Is there anything else you would like to add or highlight about yourself that makes you a strong candidate for this role?

Please send your statement to Scott Davidson and Nick Girkin, the Co-Chairs of the Peatlands and Wetlands SIG.

Applications close 1st April 2024 (or when a suitable applicant applies)

Background

Peatlands and wetlands are globally important ecosystems and interest in them is growing through their potential role as a nature-based solution to climate change. They provide a vital range of ecosystem services ranging from flood protection and carbon sequestration, through to provisioning of food and materials but remain under threat from ongoing management practices (e.g. drainage, burning and intensive agricultural management) and climate change impacts.

Acting as a hub for a wide range of external partners and collaborators, the group helps to disseminate skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for all aspects of peatlands and wetlands, including their conservation and restoration.

Join the mailing list

If you are interested in joining the mailing list please sign up here. 

Aims

  • Foster new links across the UK peatland and wetland researcher and practitioner community to promote collaboration and facilitate the sharing of information between sectors.
  • Identify priority research questions and needs for the community to address.
  • Create new opportunities for international peatland and wetland researchers, seeking to embed equitable principles in the UK’s global impact in peatland and wetland research, and seeking to increase the representation of individuals from under-represented regions (e.g. Sub-Saharan Africa) in UK and global peatland forums.
  • Positively influence policy and decision making by policymakers, farmers and land managers in the UK and internationally through facilitating the exchange of information and advocating for best practice.

Meetings and Events

For all upcoming events please see the events page.

Committee members:

  • Co-chairs: Scott Davidson and Nick Girkin
  • Policy rep: Alice Milner
  • Social Media Secretary:Alan Gao