Regeneration of peat-forming mosses necessitates a high and stable water table. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of open water reservoirs constructed to improve the hydrologic conditions required for growth of Sphagnum. The colonization of Sphagnum fuscum and S. angustifolium diaspores scattered on the experimental baulks between the reservoir ditches was measured.
Results indicate that water storage increased at the experimental site.
The water table was higher and more stable, with an average maximum depth of 0.46 m at the rewetted site compared to 0.55 m at the control site. Sphagnum establishment was successful on all experimental baulks, showing a higher percentage cover where soil moisture was more readily available.