Peat Wastage in the East Anglian Fens

Summary Measurements of the decline in peat depth between 1941 and 1971 were taken at 14 sites across the East Anglian Fens. Rates of wastage in the period before 1955 and in the more recent period varied widely from site to site. Wastage rates were higher at all sites but one, in the period before 1955. The mean value for wastage rate over the entire period covered was 1.37 (± 0.78) cm/yr.