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Project title

Quantification of Blanket Bog Ecosystem Services to Water (QUBBES)

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Lead Applicant

Raymond Flynn

Project Abstract

Blanket bogs underlie a large area of Ireland and make an important contribution to its natural capital. Although acting as important biodiversity reserves, they also influence water quality and hydrological processes. However, the link between blanket bog ecosystem services and water remains poorly quantified. The proposed research aims to develop numerical models that link ecohydrological processes operating within bogs with flow and water quality in surface water. Model development will be informed by high resolution integrated catchment monitoring in areas of Blanket Bog with contrasting land use, ranging from intact sites to those which have been altered by human activity, including those where blanket bog vegetation is restoring. Integrated hydrological modelling, drawing on outputs from GIS based ecohydrological models and rainfall-runoff models will, when combined with outputs of field studies, defined critical source areas where conservation and /or restoration measures may be best focused. High resolution quantitative outputs from modelling will permit economic analysis of the impact of contrasting land use activities in terms of water treatment and flood prevention. Application of the approach to ungauged sites using nationally available datasets will define the confidence with which the approach may be applied across the country. QUBBES will generate the following outputs 1. Three instrumented catchments for high-resolution integrated (eco)hydrological monitoring of blanket bog catchments under contrasting land uses, including intact, degraded and restoring bog. 2. An integrated catchment ecohydrological database to permit proposed and future research on blanket bog ecology, hydrology and ecosystems services water to be completed at world-class levels. 3. An ecohydrological modelling tool for identification of areas with hydrological conditions capable of supporting health blanket bog. 4. Presentations at two national conferences and two international conferences. 5. At least three peer-reviewed open access international publications. 6. Two PhD theses on (a) Hydrological modelling of Irish blanket bogs and (b) Ecohydrology and ecosystem services provided by blanket bogs. 7. An end of project report detailing research completed and informing policy concerning land use in areas covered by blanket bog. 8. Two stakeholder workshops. These outputs provide a basis to apply existing hydrological expertise, including ecohydrological modelling of raised bogs, to build world class research capacity in blanket bog hydrological and ecohydrological research. The data generated, with inputs from steering committee members, will provide a state-of-the-art capability for assessing and mapping ecosystem services provided by blanket bogs to water.

Grant Approved

�330,820.46

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Natural capital and ecosystem services including soils and biodiversity

Start Date

01/04/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/04/2019