– In addition to the biological benefit, we get a reduced risk of drought and floods because a wetland soaks up water like a sponge which then portions the water out in a more even flow, says Johan Andreasson who is the fisheries conservation coordinator in Hudiksvall municipality.
The drying up of the wetlands has been going on for a very long time. But it was only with modern forestry in the 20th century that the excavating of wetlands really took off.
– Not infrequently, the drained land was still not suitable for afforestation and the consequences for the environment are great with deteriorating groundwater levels and a major impact on natural water systems, says Johan Andreasson.
There is no material to fill in the huge stretches of trenches in the forest. But by plugging the ditches at regular intervals, they fill with water and then erode again naturally.
Binds carbon dioxide
– When a wetland is drained, the peat is oxygenated and then large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. Restoring the wetlands is therefore important to reach the climate goals, says Johan Andreasson.
Click on the video to see the excavator plugging the trenches in Hälsingeskogen with peat.