Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: West Norfolk’s wonderful peatlands

This course will focus on the chain of peatlands (fens and mires) that have formed along west Norfolk’s Greensand ridge. We will explore how the unique geology of the area has helped to create and sustain these peatlands, using maps and geological samples to illustrate physical processes. Learn about the special wildlife that healthy, vibrant peatlands support and discover how humans have shaped and changed the landscape over time. Over the last 200 years the majority of west Norfolk’s peatlands have been destroyed or damaged. We will examine the factors that have led to these losses and what can be done to reverse this damage. Using real, local examples, we will delve into the different techniques used to restore out peatlands, the importance of doing so and the amazing results that this work is yielding. The course will use powerpoint presentations, access to specialist texts, physical samples of materials to illustrate processes (geological samples, as well as plants and invertebrates), as well as discussion-based learning.