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The team installs groundbreaking plant-powered devices
17 June 2025
North Pennines National Landscape team installs groundbreaking plant-powered devices
The North Pennines National Landscape team has installed two cutting-edge plant-powered devices to monitor the water level of a North Pennines peatland. These are the first devices of this kind to be installed in the UK. The SensorSticks, created by sensor company Plant-e, each have a plant energy source, a set of sensors and a satellite transmission system.
The innovative technology behind these monitoring devices generates electricity from microorganisms in the peatland, breaking down organic material excreted by plant roots. The North Pennines team is trialling the SensorSticks on a key upland peat site for three years and if successful, they will bring a host of benefits to the peatland restoration programme.
Dr Miles Wilson, GIS and Remote Sensing Officer with the North Pennines National Landscape team said: “With no need for staff visits for data downloads or battery changes, Plant-e’s SensorSticks can operate untouched on restoration sites for multiple years, feeding data on peatland water levels straight back to our office. This could reduce our field-based monitoring costs. Through this project we will test the performance of SensorSticks against our current water level monitoring methods.”
Innovative technology
In all types of soil, electrons are released as a by-product from bacteria breaking down the organic material. In peat soils there is a lack of oxygen which means that the SensorStick is able to convert these electrons into electric currents. These currents are taken up by the printed circuit board within the device and turned into electricity which powers the sensors and the antenna. The sensors measure changes in pressure when the water level rises and falls. The data is then transmitted via satellite in real time to an online dashboard, which the team can view and analyse. This means peatlands can be monitored remotely. Plant-e are at the forefront in using satellite communication combined with plant technology.
The North Pennines National Landscape team’s peatland programme typically monitors water levels using a mix of manual and battery-operated dipwells. This type of monitoring is time-consuming, requiring field officers to be on site to collect the data. Additionally, during bird breeding season, from April to June, there is no access to peatland sites.
A SensorStick provides a maintenance-free and cost-effective alternative to peatland monitoring, where staff do not need to carry out site visits to collect data and change batteries.
Marjolein Helder, CEO of Plant-e commented: “Working with the North Pennines National Landscape team has been a pleasure. Their openness to innovation and collaborative spirit made this pioneering project possible. It’s inspiring to see a partner so committed to pushing restoration forward with the help of cutting-edge solutions.”
Gabriel van den Broek, Business Developer from Plant-e said: “This project is the first of its kind in the UK and has proven to be a great success. Ever since the SensorSticks were installed on the peatland, data has been transmitted remotely without any issues. This technology has tremendous potential, as it will allow more time and resource to be focused on peatland restoration work.”
Measuring the water levels of peatlands is an important aspect of the restoration process and data is used by the team to evaluate the effectiveness of their work. A high water table, achieved by multiple restoration techniques, is generally a sign of a healthier peatland.
Peatland restoration is important for communities. It helps to regulate the quality and flow of water, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. Healthy wet peatlands are also a natural defence against wildfire and a place for recreation. They provide a home to a diverse array of plant and animal species.
Notes for editors
1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Lead from the North Pennines National Landscape team for further information – communications@northpennines.org.uk Phone: 01388 528801 / 07768 123247
2. Images from the installation of the SensorSticks are attached. For alternative images please contact Sarah, Kate or Jane on communications@northpennines.org.uk
3. The North Pennines National Landscape is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.
4. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the National Landscapes family.
5. The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.
6. The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership is an alliance of public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The work of the Partnership is carried out by the National Landscape team which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.
7. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being a National Landscape, the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events.