Restoring the Bogs: Behind the Scenes with the RSPB Peatland Programme.I recently had the opportunity to document a day in the field with the RSPB Peatland Programme and what I witnessed was nothing short of inspiring. Armed with just my phone since I was in training, I captured the hands-on work of volunteers helping to restore some of Northern Ireland’s most threatened yet powerful ecosystems: Peatlands. Often overlooked, these vast, spongey landscapes play a critical role in tackling climate change by locking away carbon, regulating water flow, and supporting rare biodiversity.The restoration process isn’t glamorous, it’s muddy boots, saws in hand, kneeling in bog water to collect peat depths, assess habitats and remove encroaching vegetation. But it’s real work that makes a real impact.What struck me most was the energy and passion of the team. From experienced conservation staff to first time volunteers, everyone came together with a shared purpose: to give these damaged habitats a second chance.Tasks included:Cutting and clearing invasive scrubRecording species and peat depthMonitoring habitat conditionLearning about bog ecology and its role in climate resilienceNo prior experience is needed, just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to help.For me, as a photographer focused on documentary work, this was an incredible chance to not only witness the process but to contribute by telling the story of peatland restoration by visually highlighting the dedication, the landscape and the vital importance of this work.If you’ve ever wanted to make a direct difference in protecting nature, I can’t recommend this enough.Together, we can help these incredible landscapes thrive again.