Rewetted Moor in Lüntener Wald Stores Greenhouse Gases and Revives Wildlife

Researchers in Germany's Lüntener Wald are measuring in real time how rewetted moors store greenhouse gases, while rare animals and plants return to the area. The project aims to quantify moors' contribution to biodiversity and climate protection. The former 75-hectare moor forest was drained and planted with pines over a century ago. Since autumn 2025, water has been held back using tree trunks, raising water levels to support peat moss growth. A 30-meter tower measures CO2 and other gases continuously. Over 90 percent of Germany's moor soils have been drained, according to federal data. North Rhine-Westphalia has identified over 23,000 hectares suitable for renaturation. Species like willow tits and moor frogs have already returned to the Lüntener Wald.