Finland's Isosuo peatland restoration joins European network

The Isosuo peatland restoration project in southern Finland has joined the European Rewilding Network. The move aims to share practical knowledge and accelerate the large-scale recovery of peatlands, which are critical for storing carbon and supporting biodiversity.

Peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth's land surface but store over 30% of its soil carbon, more than double the amount held in all the world's forests. However, an estimated 12% to 15% of global peatlands have been completely drained, with degradation affecting up to a quarter of these ecosystems. Drainage causes the peat to decompose, releasing stored carbon dioxide and turning these natural carbon sinks into sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

Restoring a Finnish bog

The Isosuo Restoration Project is located in the municipality of Hartola in Finland's Päijät-Häme region. Overseen by the Finnish NGO PLUPS (Foundation for Better Nature), the project focuses on an area known as one of southern Finland's larger raised bogs. Restoration work currently encompasses between 180 and 300 hectares, with plans to secure more land to create a larger interconnected rewilding area.

The core restoration technique involves blocking old drainage ditches and carrying out small-scale earthworks to raise water levels. Major rewetting and vegetation restoration efforts began in 2024. As water levels recover, typical bog vegetation is returning, allowing the peatland's natural processes to restart.

A collaborative European effort

By joining the European Rewilding Network, the Isosuo team can now exchange knowledge with a community of rewilding practitioners across the continent. Antoine Scherer, a rewilding expert at PLUPS, stated the project is keen to learn more about large-scale hydrological restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and measuring climate impacts.

"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," said Scherer. The exchange is two-way, with Isosuo offering its practical experience of boreal peatland restoration, which combines science, community participation, art, and communication.

Benefits for nature and climate

The recovery of the Isosuo bog is expected to restore its function as a carbon store and water regulator. It should also provide richer habitat for species like waders, grouse, and invertebrates. PLUPS is exploring the introduction of low-intensity cattle grazing to help maintain open habitats and increase diversity.

Local community involvement is a key component. Volunteers have helped build dams, and PLUPS works with landowners, authorities, and businesses. The organisation uses photography, art, and education to help people reconnect with the landscape and understand the benefits of healthy peatlands, from clean water to climate regulation.

The scale of the challenge

The work at Isosuo is part of a much larger European imperative. Finland alone is considering restoring approximately 180,000 hectares of drained peatland. Research indicates restored peatlands can begin functioning as carbon sinks again within 15 years.

Across Europe, similar scaling efforts are underway. In Scotland's Affric Highlands, more than 1,000 hectares of degraded peatland have been restored recently. The EU's Nature Restoration Law sets binding targets for member states, including restoring 30% of drained agricultural peatlands by 2030.

The following table outlines the EU's binding restoration targets for drained agricultural peatlands:

By connecting initiatives like Isosuo, the European Rewilding Network aims to turn policy ambition into on-the-ground action, accelerating peatland recovery across the continent.