Environmental scientists at Nottingham Trent University have, for the first time, mapped the extent of known wind farm infrastructures, such as wind turbines and vehicle tracks, on recognized blanket bogs in Europe.

Blanket bogs—a rare type of peatland commonly found in areas with lots of rain and low temperatures—are typically found on hill summits where wind energy potential is higher, making them attractive sites for wind farm developments.

They have a range of beneficial ecosystem services, improving water quality and water storage and biodiversity. However, a large proportion of blanket bogs are already in an unfavorable condition, according to the EU Habitats Directive reports.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, revealed more than 640 wind turbines on blanket bogs across the European Union and the U.K., as well as more than 250km of vehicle access tracks.

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