A woolly solution to NI's peatland problems?

A pilot project in the Antrim Hills is testing the use of logs made from local sheep wool as a new method to aid peatland conservation in Northern Ireland. Traditionally, peatland restoration has relied on coir logs—made from coconut husks imported from Southeast Asia—to reduce erosion, retain water, and re-wet degraded peatlands. The new wool logs aim to offer a more sustainable, locally sourced alternative that could benefit both the environment and sheep farmers facing low wool prices. Northern Ireland’s peatlands cover about 12% of the land and are crucial carbon sinks when healthy. However, 86% of these peatlands are currently degraded, releasing carbon instead of storing it, which exacerbates climate change. Restoring these ecosystems is essential but has so far involved materials like coir, which carry a significant carbon footprint due to long-distance transport. Ulster Wildlife and the Ulster Farmers’ Union are collaborating on this initiative to reduce reliance on imported materials by using wool, a renewable and local resource, for peatland restoration. The wool logs, described as large, soft, wool-filled structures, function similarly to coir logs by stabilizing peatland surfaces and aiding water retention. The project also addresses economic challenges faced by sheep farmers, who have struggled with declining wool prices, sometimes not even covering shearing costs. By creating a new market for wool, the initiative offers a potential "win-win" scenario, turning what was once considered a waste product into a valuable conservation tool. This development aligns with Northern Ireland’s broader peatland strategy launched last year, which includes 26 actions aimed at restoring peatlands to functioning ecosystems by 2040. The strategy emphasizes the need for substantial financial investment and innovative approaches like the wool log project to meet restoration goals while reducing environmental impact and supporting local agriculture.