Peat (recent)

Peat is a very slow accumulation of partly decayed vegetation & organic matter (sphagnum moss, sedges etc) found in mires peatlands & wetlands or on heath & moorland below the grasses & heathers. The peat quite often retains the structure of the plants as well as spores & seeds. This provides an invaluable record of past flora & fauna & the prevailing climate. The peat ecosystem provides an efficient carbon sink. Peatland plants absorb CO2 which is released on decay, however, the rate of biomass production is greater than the rate of decay so more CO2 remains locked away. Traditionally peat has been used as a source of fuel. This example was collected on the Lancashire & is of recent origin. Specimens are provided with a labelled card tray.