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Field trials are currently taking place at the Horsey Estate in the Broads National Park as part of a project investigating the cultivation of wetland crops for use in the construction industry. The trials involve planting and harvesting typha, also known as reedmace or bulrush, which is then processed into compressed boards for construction purposes. The FibreBroads project, funded by Defra, aims to explore the potential of wetland crops in reducing emissions from lowland peat soils and promoting sustainable farming practices in a changing climate.

The project involves raising the water table on previously drained land to create wetland conditions, combining crop harvesting with ecosystem services. Challenges such as fieldwork logistics are being addressed through the use of drones for planting and raised access tracks. Various partners, including architects, building companies, conservationists, and researchers, are collaborating to assess the feasibility of wetter farming practices and demonstrate the versatility of typha products in construction.

Aside from its construction applications, typha’s microfibrillated properties make it suitable for natural construction materials due to its self-bonding, waterproofing, and fire-resistant qualities. The project aims to address Climate Change challenges in the region, promote local economic growth through a network of local materials, and preserve valuable peatland ecosystems and wildlife.

Water management strategies, including re-wetting peatlands to reduce carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity, are crucial in the face of wetter winters and Climate Change impacts. Working with farmers in the Broads region, initiatives like paludiculture crops and smart water management aim to hold water efficiently, slow down flow, and provide benefits for wildlife conservation.

Different from rewilding, alternative cropping methods like typha cultivation offer a climate-friendly approach to managing lowland peat soils sustainably. Typha’s versatility extends to producing BioPuff insulation material from its seedheads, reducing reliance on traditional materials and supporting climate resilience. Additionally, local markets for wetland crops like reed for thatching provide economic opportunities for farmers and contribute to water management and ecosystem services.

Typha, a perennial semi-aquatic crop, offers multiple benefits such as nutrient removal from water, habitat provision for wetland wildlife, and biomass productivity. Government support through expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes encourages farmers to adopt wetland-friendly practices like raising water levels and creating wetland habitats. Natural England’s Paludiculture Exploration Fund supports projects exploring commercially viable paludiculture on lowland peat soils in England, highlighting the importance of sustainable land management practices for the future.

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