Azores Sao Miguel - Peatbog restoration

In the Graminhais Plateau on São Miguel island, peat bogs have been restored since 2012. This is done by removing invasive plants and taking other measures. These bogs are important for biodiversity, provide clean water and store carbon. This project focuses on the ongoing maintenance of these areas so that they can continue to recover well. With our donation, volunteers can help with maintenance, benefiting nature. Your contribution is essential in preserving this valuable environment for the future.

gbtn_icon_raised_duotone
€ 0

Donation

This donation will go towards the maintenance of bogs in the Graminhais Plateau, including removing invasive plants and repairing drainage ditches.

gbtn_icon_travellers_duotone
0

SNP travellers

Have donated the initial amount of 5000 euro that was doubled by SNP

gbtn_icon_projects_duotone
0 ha

Peatland Restoration

Essential maintenance and ditch reconstruction will ensure the recovery of 75 hectares of restored peatlands, supporting a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity.

Maintenance of Bogs in the Graminhais Plateau

The peat bogs of the Graminhais Plateau on São Miguel were struggling with a decline in biodiversity due to invasive plants and neglected drainage ditches. Work is therefore underway to remove these invasive species and restore drainage to maintain the bogs. This contributes to a healthy ecosystem and enhances the benefits for the local community. As the ecosystem recovers, the positive impact on the community will increase.

Where is the donation of GBTN spend on?

The donation is used for two purposes:

  1. Removal of invasive plants: The contribution covers the cost of invasive species removal, including hiring of personnel and required equipment.

  2. Repair of drainage ditches: The donation supports the repair of neglected drainage ditches, which is essential for maintaining the bogs and preserving biodiversity.

What is the objected effect on biodiversity:

  • Bogs are important for the conservation of native plants and animals, including unique species found only there.
  • Restoring drainage ditches and removing invasive plants improves water quality and helps store carbon, which is good for the environment.
  • Preserving the bogs supports important species, such as the native butterfly Hipparchia miguelensis.
  • By restoring the bogs, we create a healthier environment that enhances biodiversity in the Graminhais Plateau

Impression

Invertebrates in sphagnum moss
Invertebrates in sphagnum moss
Peat bogs in Graminhais
Peat bogs in Graminhais
Hipparchia miguelensis_ endemic species_(c)Joaquim Teodosio
Hipparchia miguelensis_ endemic species_(c)Joaquim Teodosio
Graminhais
Graminhais
Graminhais
Graminhais
Maintenance of peatlands | When possible we involve volunteers in the recovery to raise awareness of the importance of peatland
Maintenance of peatlands | When possible we involve volunteers in the recovery to raise awareness of the importance of peatland
Spahgnum reinforcement
Spahgnum reinforcement
Restoration ditches
Restoration ditches
Graminhais
Graminhais
Forested bogs
Forested bogs
Elevated walkway in the peatbogs
Elevated walkway in the peatbogs
Maintenance of peatlands | When possible we involve volunteers in the recovery to raise awareness of the importance of peatland
Maintenance of peatlands | When possible we involve volunteers in the recovery to raise awareness of the importance of peatland
Ditches for reflooding
Ditches for reflooding
Azorean blueberry
Azorean blueberry

More info on the project

 

If you want to know more about this project, check out the website of the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA). Here you will find detailed information about the maintenance of the peatbogs and its impact on biodiversity in the Graminhais Plateau.

Find out more on their own website: SPEA

Pages
Contact
  • RSIN: 866089093
  • KvK: 92530915 (Chamber of Commerce)

© 2025 Givink Back To Nature i.s.m. Marieke Haver