Why bogs are one of the planet’s most undervalued ecosystems

For those of us who live in towns and cities, bogs may seem to be a rare environmental relic left over from times gone by, or perhaps something we’ve only encountered onscreen in spooky fantasy movies. The fact is that these peat-rich, often otherworldly landscapes are found in almost every corner of the globe, have had a deep influence on the development of human culture, and act as one of the planet’s unsung heroes in the fight against climate change. In this episode we’re joined by ecologist, climate scientist and author Merritt Turetsky, to talk about her latest book, Boglands – The Hidden World of Earth’s Most Extraordinary Ecosystems. She tells us how bogs form over thousands of years thanks to the gradual breaking down of plant matter, how, far from being pits of death and decay, bogs are teeming with a fascinating array of life, and explains how bogs act as one of the natural world’s greatest historical record keepers. Take your curiosity further with a subscription to BBC Science Focus magazine. Every issue is packed with fascinating insights into the science behind everyday life, the latest breakthroughs and expert analysis, delivered straight to your door. Receive an extra £5 when you subscribe using the code SF5OFF, (minimum spend £20, see full terms and conditions on our website). https://www.ourmediashop.com/bbc-science-focus-magazine-pod30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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