Handbook published based on experiences from the project ’Conservation and Restoration of Mire Habitats’

The handbook ’Restoration of Mire Habitats: Experiences from the Project ’Conservation and Restoration of Mire Habitats’ summarises the experience gained in the framework of the ‘Conservation and Restoration of Mire Habitats’ project and the methods used in planning and carrying out restoration work. The handbook provides an overview of species linked to mires and their monitoring (authors Liina Remm, Ann Kraut and Urmas Sellis), the monitoring of changes in the flora and water regime (Marko Kohv), cultural heritage and educational activities (Piret Pungas-Kohv), communication regarding the restoration of mires (Laura Oro and Mariliis Haljasorg),  the design and execution of earthwork (Jüri-Ott Salm, Leevi Krumm and Marko Kohv), planning of fellings (Kaupo Kohv), the remediation of abandoned peat mining areas by spreading sphagnum moss and oil shale ash (J.-O. Salm, Mart Meriste, Edgar Karofeld and Marko Kohv), the cost of restoration actions (J.-O. Salm), the evaluation of ecosystem services (J.-O. Salm), the impact of the drainage and restoration of mires on greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of the restoration work itself (J.-O. Salm), archaeological experiences (Kaarel Sikk). Guidance on the planning of restoration that takes into account existing values and target species is also included in the handbook (author L. Remm). The authors of the handbook were experts and participants in the project actions. The first version of the handbook was published on World Wetlands Day 2020 before being updated in 2021 based on the experience gained in the interim. Handbook is available both in English (link) and Estonian (link).