Nature
Fens, wetlands and peatlands are under threat due to drainage for agricultural use. Other activities that are having a significant effect on these areas are peat extraction for the horticultural industry, for fuel and industrial use and for commercial afforestation with fast growing exotic species. Pollution with agrochemicals, industrial sewage, farm waste, agricultural lime, effluent from processing agricultural produce and acid deposition is a cause for concern for these areas. The enrichment (eutrophication) caused by pollution means a change in acidity and nutrient status that will affect the wildlife and alter the quality and rate of accumulation of peat. Fire is also a threat to the ecology of these areas.