Bangor University wetland scientists star in BBC show

A typical upland wetland.: Inage credit: Mark Cooper.Wetland scientists from Bangor University have featured in a BBC show on one of Wales’ most important habitats.

Two members of the Bangor Wetlands Group at the  School of Biological Sciences appeared on BBC Radio Wales’ popular Science Café series.

Prof Chris Freeman and Dr Christian Dunn spoke to the programme’s host, Adam Walton, about the importance of the Migneint – a vast area of blanket bog in North Wales.

Dr Christian Dunn, who runs the Wetland Science and Conservation MSc at Bangor University said:

“It was great that Adam and the Science Café team were interested in seeing the Migneint. 

“These areas of peatlands, which literally blanket some of our mountains, often get overlooked but they’re incredibly important wetlands for a whole host of reasons.

Dr Christian Dunn collecting samples on a bog.

“Not only do they provide unique habitats for animals and plants but they can help prevent flooding, affect the quality of our drinking water and even control climate change – due to the amount of carbon stored in them.”

Prof Chris Freeman, who is the head of the School of Biological Sciences, said:

“It’s always good to show people just how important our peatlands are and to highlight some of the work we’re doing here at Bangor University on the subject.

“The Migneint is a stunning place and a lot of important research has been done there.”

“It does obviously rain there quite a bit though; fortunately the weather was great when the Science Café came so they had a great day exploring the site and no-one got their feet too wet!” he added.

The programme is available to listen to from the BBC Science Café website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06dpyx7

Publication date: 30 September 2015