European Rewilding Network

Isosuo Restoration Project

PLUPS

The Isosuo rewilding aims to restore natural hydrological and ecological dynamics within a degraded raised bog. By blocking drainage ditches and allowing water levels to rise, the initiative restores peat accumulation, nutrient cycling, and natural vegetation succession. This enables self-regulating processes to resume, forming a resilient mire ecosystem that supports biodiversity and carbon storage. Restoring the bog’s natural hydrology creates habitat for specialist wetland and mire species, such as waders, grouse species and invertebrates dependent on open, wet conditions.

As Isosuo recovers, it offers a model for low-impact nature-based activities such as birdwatching, photography and environmental education. The site’s accessibility and scenic character make it ideal for small-scale eco-tourism and guided visits, which can support local services in Hartola. Through exhibitions and storytelling, PLUPS promotes rewilding as a source of creative and experiential value, connecting visitors and artists with this dynamic landscape.

Specification Description Achievements Exchange

Project: Isosuo Restoration Project

Region: Municipality of Hartola, Päijät-Häme region

Type of protection: Privately owned

Aim and vision: The rewilding work conducted by PLUPS at Isosuo aims to guide the peatland to a more natural state by blocking drainage ditches and raising water levels. This helps halt peat decomposition, reduce carbon emissions and improve water quality by limiting runoff into surrounding lakes and rivers.

The project seeks to enhance biodiversity by restoring habitats and contributes to creating a larger, contiguous protected area for long-term ecological resilience. Overall, the vision is to secure and actively recover a key southern Finnish bog ecosystem for climate, water, wildlife and social benefits.

Uniqueness of the project: At Isosuo, we combine scientific restoration and creative communication: peatland rewetting is paired with photography, storytelling, and participatory fieldwork that make nature recovery visible and emotionally resonant. This interdisciplinary approach turns a local restoration site into a shared cultural landscape, where ecological data, artistic expression, and public dialogue reinforce one another.

Other activities: Community involved, Eco tourism, Education, High-impact communications

Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on: Within 10 years, Isosuo will function as a self-sustaining peatland with restored water levels, reduced carbon emissions, and improved water quality. Biodiversity will increase, with thriving wetland species and habitats, contributing to a resilient and connected landscape, for people and nature.

Results so far: Since the start of the initiative, PLUPS has secured and legally protected several parcels within the Isosuo raised bog, expanding the conservation area. In 2024, major rewetting and vegetation restoration works restored natural hydrology and open bog habitats. The initiative has attracted public–private support and built strong local partnerships for long-term stewardship. Through strategic communication and public outreach, PLUPS has increased awareness on peatland rewilding and inspired community involvement, establishing Isosuo as a model for creative, community-driven restoration in Finland’s boreal region.

Inspirational value: Through the Isosuo restoration project, we demonstrate practical, cost-effective solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and the disconnection between people and nature. Monitoring and hands-on work generate valuable knowledge on peatland recovery, while early results show rapid impact, offering a replicable model for rewilding in the southern boreal zone.

Experience you would like to share: PLUPS would contribute a unique perspective from boreal Finland, where rewilding addresses both ecological and cultural reconnection in northern forest and peatland ecosystems. Through our work at Isosuo and other sites, we bring experience in combining science, art, and community participation to make rewilding visible and meaningful.

Experience you would like to gain: We aim to gain practical experience and insights into best practices for large-scale ecosystem restoration, particularly in peatland rewilding. We look forward to building collaborations that can help scale up our efforts and increase the overall impact of the Isosuo restoration project and our other rewilding areas.

Country

Finland

Start year

2024

Size (ha)

300

Area type

Northern coniferous forest, Peatland

Natural process

Flooding, Predation, Wetland dynamics

Flagship species

Bear, Lynx, moose, Otter, Roe deer