In good condition, there is plenty of water, so it is visible on the surface, slowly flowing through larger and smaller pools.

You will see small grasses and especially the peat moss that grows well in wet conditions. The moss stores lots of water and makes the peatland appear in a typical red-green-brown mosaic.

Peatlands in good condition continue to grow by adding more and more layers of peat. While growing, carbon is taken up from the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) and stored as peat.

Water that flows from peatlands in good condition is usually clear and of good quality. This means less need for water treatment. The water quality is also good for fish living downstream, especially of salmon and trout.

Peatlands in good condition are home to various birds and wildlife species.

This includes waterfowl and wading birds such as Curlew, and predators such as hen harrier and red kite.

In peatlands in intermediate condition, water has been taken off the land by creating channels for drainage. This allows activities such as livestock grazing. Surface water is rarely visible.

With less water on the land, taller plants can grow, like cotton grass, or small bushes like heather.

Peatlands in this condition are not very colourful. However, if heather grows in the area and is in bloom, its purple colour stands out. Signs of bare peat start to appear as dark patches. Sometimes peatland of intermediate condition is burned regularly, to create conditions for grouse shooting. This leaves characteristic patterns of burned and unburned land in the landscape.

Peatlands in intermediate condition have stopped growing. No additional peat layers are added. Instead, peat layers gradually shrink, releasing a moderate amount of carbon to the atmosphere, where it contributes to climate change.

Water flowing from such peatlands can be of lower quality. Water can be slightly murky, especially after a heavy rainfall. This can affect the fish population downstream, including salmon and trout, and increase the need for water treatment.

Peatlands in intermediate condition may still harbour some of the wildlife that is present in peatlands in good condition. However, it is less abundant and some of the wildlife may not be found any more.

It is also more likely that you will see managed species such as deer, sheep and grouse.

Peatlands in bad condition have been drained for a longer time. The forces of water and wind (erosion) have now exposed larger areas of bare peat. Deep gullies and drenches are formed.

Rarely any plant grows on the areas that are exposed. Patches of grasses or heather are still found on 'islands' in between exposed bare peat. The exposed bare peat areas will continue to grow, leaving less plant cover as protection on the surface. Peat will continue to be lost until the solid rock surface emerges.

Peatlands in bad condition lose carbon at a high rate. They have turned into a severe 'source' of carbon to the atmosphere, where it contributes to climate change.

Water that flows downstream is of bad quality. It is often murky and can be dark brown from soil components in the water, especially after heavy rainfall events. The bad water quality will affect fish downstream. It is not suitable for human consumption and therefore needs a lot of treatment.

Peatlands in this condition are home to little wildlife. Not many plant and animal species can be found.