Healthy peatlands are vital for our environment, with the peat on Marsden Moor holding over 1 million tons of carbon, it is crucial that we keep the carbon in the ground and make sure peatlands thrive. Discover more about Eyes on the Bog and how it can help us to monitor the health of Marsden Moor.
We are keeping a close eye on the wellbeing of two areas of peatland on Marsden Moor, to track changes and measure the success of our restoration work. The IUCN UK Peatland Programme created the Eyes on the Bog project as a cost effective and accessible way to monitor peatlands. You can find out more about the project here.
With a few simple techniques, we can gather insights into how our peatlands are changing throughout the seasons and over the years. This project will help us to monitor the behaviour of the water table, peat subsidence or accumulation, vegetation composition and possible trajectories of the landscape - all of these are vital for the healthy peat to form and keep it's carbon below the ground.
Working with a local artist, we are creating totemic markers - sculptures that will form a stand for fixed place photography, allowing us to gather visual information on the vegetation composition at two points on Marsden Moor. By placing totemic markers at at White Moss and Standedge Trail we can capture the story of the peatlands, helping us to visualise their transformation over time.
Another simple method of measuring the water table is by using rust rods, metal rods that are placed in the ground. The surface of the rod that is below the water will remain free of rust, if any part of the rod does begin to show signs of rusting then we know the water table is dropping. By measuring the top of the rod to the bottom of the rust we can work out the lowest the water table has been since it was last monitored - in a healthy bog the water table should stay close to the surface and not drop by more than 30cm.
We already have rust rods placed at 23 points on Marsden Moor along with surface level markers, which help us to understand the peat accumulation and subsidence.
Eyes on the Bog makes it easy for everyone to get involved - enjoy a walk along the moorland and take a photo using the totemic markers, by sending them to us you can help protect this vital landscape for future generations.
Email your photos to marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk, please make sure you only capture the moorland in your images and no people. If you are happy for us to use your image on our website and social media pages then please let us know when you email your photos in to us.
January 2025
The totemic markers are inspired by the wildlife found on Marsden Moor. Gate Foot Forge have created two designs, a curlew and a hare. The markers will be hand forged by steel, using traditional methods and joinery techniques. This will allow the constructional features such as rivets to stand out and be a part of the overall design.
Find out how to get to Marsden Moor, where to park, the things to see and do and more.
Learn how National Trust rangers and volunteers are working to care for Marsden Moor by restoring peat, removing invasive species and minimising the risk of floods and fires.
Discover the abundance of wildlife on Marsden Moor, from ground-nesting birds such as golden plovers and curlews to mountain hares and even lizards.
Find out how you can apply to volunteer on Marsden Moor and the roles available, from helping the rangers to repair footpaths, to leading guided walks across the moorland.
Together, we're securing our future with action on climate and the environment. Learn more about how we're responding to the changing climate at places in our care.