Finland's Isosuo Bog Joins European Rewilding Network

The Isosuo peatland restoration project in southern Finland has joined the European Rewilding Network. The move, reported by Rewilding Europe, will allow the project's team to exchange knowledge on large-scale ecosystem recovery with practitioners across the continent.

Peatlands are critical for wildlife and climate. Although they cover only 3% of the Earth's land, they store over 30% of its soil carbon. They support specialized plants, insects, and birds. Yet, global degradation is severe. Between 12% and 15% of the world's peatlands have been drained, with degradation affecting up to a quarter of these ecosystems. This drainage turns them from carbon sinks into sources of greenhouse gas emissions and damages biodiversity.

Restoring the 'Large Bog'

The Isosuo project is located in the municipality of Hartola. It is overseen by the Finnish NGO PLUPS (Foundation for Better Nature). Isosuo, meaning "Large Bog," is a significant regional peatland for birds. Restoration work focuses on blocking drainage ditches and conducting small-scale earthworks to raise water levels. This allows typical bog vegetation to return.

Major rewetting and vegetation restoration began in 2024. The current restoration area encompasses between 180 and 300 hectares. PLUPS aims to secure more land to create a larger interconnected rewilding area over time.

A Network for Shared Knowledge

Joining the European Rewilding Network help a two-way exchange. Isosuo brings practical experience of boreal peatland restoration, combining science, community participation, art, and communication. In return, the PLUPS team seeks knowledge on large-scale hydrological restoration, biodiversity monitoring, measuring climate impacts, funding, and long-term sustainability.

"Joining the European Rewilding Network connects Isosuo with a vibrant community that is demonstrating how rewilding can make a real difference for climate, wildlife and people," says Antoine Scherer, a rewilding expert at PLUPS.

Local Involvement and Future Vision

Local volunteers have helped build dams at the site. PLUPS also works with communities, landowners, authorities, researchers, and businesses. Photography, art, and education are used to help people reconnect with the landscape and understand the benefits of healthy peatlands. Future opportunities may include birdwatching and guided visits.

As the bog recovers, it is expected to function better as a carbon store and water regulator. It should provide richer habitat for waders, grouse, and invertebrates. PLUPS is exploring the introduction of low-intensity grazing by locally sourced cattle to help maintain open habitats.

The organisation's vision extends beyond Isosuo. PLUPS ultimately wants to establish a connected network of restored ecosystems in the region. This aligns with broader European momentum. The EU's Nature Restoration Law sets binding targets for restoring drained agricultural peatlands.

The law's targets are:

Recent research cited by the source suggests restored peatlands can begin functioning as carbon sinks again within 15 years. In Finland alone, there is consideration of restoring around 180,000 hectares of drained peatland. Other European projects are also scaling up, such as in Scotland's Affric Highlands, where over 1,000 hectares of degraded peatland have been restored.