Over the course of the past year Somerset Wildlife Trust along with partners at Avon Wildlife Trust, RSPB and Natural England have investigated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Somerset’s lowland peatlands. 

Lewis John, ET’s Sales Manager for Scientific Applications, met with Somerset Wildlife Trusts Peatland Partnership Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Officer, Beth Pudifoot at Honeygar Farm recently to see first-hand how the ABB LGR-ICOS GLA-1313-GGA Microportable Greenhouse Gas Analyser, supplied by ET, was used for this project.

Image above: Lewis John and Beth Pudifoot at Honeygar Farm, Somerset.

Image left: Beth Pudifoot with the GLA131-Greenhouse Gas Analyser

Investigations showed how a broad baseline of GHG emissions from different peatland land use types in Somerset, might be affected by different land management actions such as cutting and grazing.

Beth Pudifoot comments “We found the GLA131-GGA very simple and user-friendly, particularly the associated real-time interface. The smaller size meant it was convenient to transport and carry across site. It consistently produced good quality, reliable data, which along with quick and detailed support and assistance from ET, meant the GLA131-GGA was ideal for use in our project”.

Image: Beth Pudifoot monitoring with the GLA-1313-GGA at Honeygar Farm


THE RESULTS

Samples were taken on 11 different sites, with a combination of land owned by nature conservation organisations and privately owned agricultural land being monitored. Overall, the project evidenced that between May and December 2022, the Somerset Levels and Moors were a constant source of carbon, with levels ranging from a monthly average of 0.24 – 1.75 g/m²/hr CO₂e.

The project focussed on engaging with local landowners and managers, without who’s buy-in and collaboration success wouldn’t have been assured.

The results highlighted the importance of protecting peatland ecosystems, especially in the face of climate change. The project also reinforced that there are potential emission reductions to be made, transforming this landscape from net emissions to net sequestration.

THE FUTURE

Somerset Wildlife Trust has ambitions to continue the monitoring of GHGs across the Somerset Levels and Moors into the future, building on the baselines recorded this year.

Keep a look out for the full Case Study which will be published soon!

For more information on the ABB LGR-ICOS GLA-1313-GGA Microportable Greenhouse Gas Analyser available from ET in the UK and Ireland, take a look at our webpage or contact us for more information on info@et.co.uk or call 01453 733200.