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Gramoflor_Image_Flyer.pdfNature Conservation
Gramoflor also sets the standards for efficient and sustainable renaturation of its exhausted peat extraction sites which are subsequently restored to ecologically valuable and species-rich biotopes. This is an important contribution to nature conservation and our obligation towards coming generations.
The continental raised moor regions in Germany encompass approximately 370,000 hectares. Nearly 60% of the moors are used for the agricultural and logging industries. Over 30% or about 120,000 hectares of this land is near-natural raised moor, bentgrass and forest-covered regions. These moors have been recommended for or are already under natural conservation orders. Therefore, if they have not already been the result of renaturation efforts following peat extraction, peat extraction is prohibited on these lands. Less than 10 % are to be used for peat extraction under strict government regulations. Peat extraction is only permissible in degenerated moor regions which have become dry long ago as a result of previous agricultural use. Therefore, no additional moor regions are lost through peat extraction. Rather, as a rule, they are rewetted following peat extraction and returned to nature for the development of valuable biotopes.*
Low moors encompass an area of about 1 million hectares in Germany. However, since over 95 % of them have already used for the agriculture and the logging industry, they no longer appear as moors. Peat extraction does not take place on these sites.*
All lands utilised by Gramoflor have been approved for peat extraction according to the Lower-Saxon Nature Conservation Law. We work closely with local nature conservation authorities in our efforts to implement conscientious extraction with a minimum impact on the environment, as well as in the subsequent renaturation process of our moor regions. Our goal is the extensive reconsolidation of individual moor-type regions, and thus do our part in conserving and restoring valuable raised moor habitats over a large area
The first moor development efforts have already been initiated accompanying peat extraction. Following the first year of extraction, subfields are simultaneously utilised as moor renaturation areas.
Topographical levelling is the basis for successful rewetting. In conjunction with stratigraphic examinations using drilling and geo-radar surveys, the absolute depths and NN heights are measured by GPS. This way, the initial state of the land can be documented and future planning projects can be implemented efficiently.
The first step in the renaturation process primarily entails rewetting the sites. First, we maintain a remaining layer of the raised peat bog. An exception is made for variations in the peat bog landscapes, such as sandy hilltops or extreme slopes along the edges. By closing the draining ditches and thereby retaining the rain water, the area is gradually rewetted. In the course of 2 to 4 years, the trapped water will cause the remaining peat layer to swell, providing the habitat for plants and animals typical to the raised peat bogs.
If peat moss, wool grass and other plants typical to peat bogs do not colonise the region by themselves, their development is cultivated by seeding the area. With time, a closed peat moss system will develop on the site. Due to waterlogging and the hermetic sealing, the plants will gradually peatify. Now, a previously drained area can redevelop into a living peat bog.
Biologists and ornithologists advise the renaturation efforts from permanent observation installations. This type of monitoring fosters the ideal conditions for the creation of flora and fauna typical to peat bog regions. In providing personnel experienced in moor maintenance as well as "peat-specialised" machinery, we are able to support ongoing renaturation efforts in peat bog regions.
Successful raised peat bog redevelopment. In the long-run, more than 1000 hectares of peat extraction sites previously utilised by Gramoflor are to be retransformed into living peat bogs in North Germany.
Lastly, thanks to renaturation efforts led by many peat extraction companies like Gramoflor, Lower Saxony has taken a leading international role in post-extraction peat bog restoration efforts. Approximately 10,000 hectares of exhausted peat extraction fields are in the process of renaturation. An additional 20,000 hectares will follow in the upcoming decades.