Revitalising Peat Bogs in the Krušné hory

The peat bogs of the Krušné Hory (Ore Mountains) are comparable only with those in Šumava (Bohemian Forest). Although this mountain range was devastated by the negative impact of industry, its peat bogs were at least partially preserved due to the difficulty of exploiting the area. The ecosystems that developed here are among the best-preserved in the country and have been left undisturbed by human influence. Conditions in the peat bog partially resemble those of the arctic tundra and have enabled the survival of rare and endangered species, some of which have lived here since the ice age. One such species, the black grouse, is currently on the verge of extinction.

As a natural reservoir, the peat bogs maintain an optimum level of water for such a large area. The spruce trees that were planted here in the 1960s and 1970s led to the gradual drainage of the area. However, these forests never had a chance to develop because of severe industrial pollution.

The aim of this project, which is managed by DAPHNE ČR – the Institute of Applied Ecology in cooperation with RWE Transgas Net, is to restore the peat bogs as an important environmental feature in the Krušné Hory. By blocking the drainage systems, peat moss and small shrubs should return to these mountains within the next few years. The restored environment could also significantly improve the habitat of the black grouse and other rare species.

RWE Transgas Net’s partnership in the project to revitalise the peat bogs of the Krušné Hory is planned for the next three years. More details are available on the website www.blizprirode.cz.