Peatland Carbon Calculator

A peatland carbon calculator estimates the amount of carbon stored within a peat deposit and the net annual flux of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases to or from the atmosphere. It uses inputs like area, peat depth, drainage status, and vegetation type combined with established emission factors to give a carbon balance figure in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Drainage is the single biggest driver of peatland greenhouse gas emissions. When peat is drained, the water table drops, oxygen penetrates the peat, and microbial decomposition accelerates — releasing CO₂ that would otherwise remain locked in the soil for millennia. Near-natural, waterlogged peat sequesters carbon, while drained agricultural peat can emit 10–30 tCO₂e/ha/yr or more.

Total carbon stock is estimated by multiplying the peatland area (ha) by peat depth (m) to get volume, then applying bulk density (kg/m³) to get peat mass, and finally multiplying by an assumed organic carbon fraction (typically 50–55% of dry matter for peat). The result is converted to CO₂ equivalent using a factor of 3.67 (the ratio of CO₂ molecular weight to carbon).

This calculator uses emission factors aligned with IPCC Wetlands Supplement guidelines and UK-specific values from the Scottish Government and ClimateXChange research. Factors vary by drainage condition, vegetation type, and management — for example, near-natural blanket bog may sequester around 0.5–1.0 tCO₂/ha/yr, while drained improved grassland on peat may emit 15–25 tCO₂/ha/yr.

Peatlands emit methane (CH₄) — a potent greenhouse gas — primarily from waterlogged, anaerobic conditions. Active bogs and fens can have significant methane fluxes even while sequestering CO₂. This calculator converts methane emissions to CO₂ equivalent using a Global Warming Potential of 28 (GWP100) so you can see the full climate impact in a single metric.

Yes, but recovery takes time. Rewetting raises the water table, dramatically reduces CO₂ emissions, and allows Sphagnum moss and other peat-forming plants to re-establish. However, methane emissions may temporarily increase after rewetting. Restored peatlands typically return to carbon-neutral status within a few years and may become weak net sinks over decadal timescales.

Estimates carry uncertainty due to natural variability in peat depth, bulk density, and hydrology across a site. The values produced here represent indicative averages based on published emission factors and are suitable for awareness and planning purposes. For formal carbon credit schemes or regulatory reporting, site-specific measurements and accredited methodologies such as the UK Peatland Code are recommended.

The UK Peatland Code is a voluntary standard that allows peatland restoration projects to generate verified carbon units that can be sold in the voluntary carbon market. This calculator provides indicative estimates to help landowners understand potential carbon benefits before committing to a formal assessment. Verified credits under the Peatland Code require independent validation, baseline surveys, and long-term monitoring.