Horsey Wetland Farm Trial

A 1.3 hectare field (about two football pitches) on the Horsey Estate is testing a new way of farming peatland. The demonstration field will retain water and create connection to the catchment via a controlled slow flow of water through the field, for the first time since land drainage began.
Background facts

The Broads is a last remnant of a vast wetland habitat that covered much of East Anglia 1,000 years ago, before modern drainage changed the watery wilderness into agricultural fields. Wetlands are significantly threatened places. Since 1700, 87% of global wetlands have been lost, a rate three times faster than natural forests.

There is growing interest in investment for peatlands, nature-based climate solutions and green jobs. This project helps prepare for new government and private investment, protect precious peat soils and water resources.

To demonstrate some of the possibilities for combining rewetting with agricultural production, the CANAPE project has funded the creation of a trial wet farming site in the Broads, building on experience gained through the project. This includes 5 compartments, which will grow a mixture of demonstration crops to show the potential of wetland farming.

For a more detailed discussion of the aims of the pilot recorded as it was getting under way, please see our CANAPE Chats episode.

Видео Horsey Wetland Farm Trial канала CANAPE Project