Peat and Peatlands of Wales

Overview

The course will begin with a review of world peatlands and how peat and peatlands form. The vegetational and structural history of peatlands in Wales will then be considered in this wider context. The course will look at the human, physical, and biological history of peatlands concentrating on Cors Fochno but with reference to other Welsh sites. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ecology and conservation needs of both plants and animals of these peatlands. The course will then briefly examine peatland utilisation past and present and discuss how the habitat can be protected into the future by reference to scientific research and legislation.   

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions. 

Unit 1 - Peatlands in Context

In this unit we will define what peat is and what peatlands are, their worldwide distribution, and why they are so important in a global context before focusing on the range of peatlands in Wales.  

Unit 2 - The Physical & Biological History of Welsh Peatlands 

This unit will trace the history of the Dyfi Estuary since the last glaciation and how changing land and sea levels over the last few millennia inundated the “sunken forest” on Borth beach, allowed the sand bar on which Borth Village stands to develop and separate the Dyfi marshes from the sea which subsequently allowed Cors Fochno to form. We will discover how the history of this site and that of other Welsh peatlands can be extracted from the peats themselves.  

Unit 3 - Peatlands and Human History

Here we trace the history of the human settlements around Cors Fochno and how they interacted with the bog and the wider natural environment. The story will cover written history, legend, and culture going back some 4,000 years. We will find out about the history of drainage at Cors Fochno and how it reached its current high conservation status.  

Unit 4 - Biodiversity 

This unit will trace at Cors Fochno and elsewhere how the sub-fossil vegetation remains chart the development of each site from either open water or marsh through to highly acidic bog. We will investigate the factors which create the mosaic of vegetation seen at Cors Fochno and look in some detail at the individual plant species to be found there and at the animals and even microscopic life which form part of the habitat’s biodiversity.   

Unit 5 - Peatlands Today

Peatlands in trouble; peatland protection; the “compost” debate; peatland politics; pollution; “historic” science; conservation and current research. An overall summary of the course.  

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Explain how and where peat forms and describe the main peatland types in Wales. 
2. Identify the main plant species of peatlands. 
3. Appreciate the importance of peatlands in a national and international context and the main measures required for their protection.

Assessments

1. A 500-word report on "Peatlands in my part of the world” An investigative account of peatlands/former peatlands in your home county, region or country tracking down e.g. place names associated with peat or peat cutting such as “mawn” in Wales or fen, marsh, sedge, mire, slough, blackwater etc elsewhere. (20%). 
2. A 1500-word illustrated essay on a topic chosen from the list of titles each title based on one of the course units. (60%). 
3. Discussion board contributions (20%).   

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.