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 woody plants 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 peatlands in intermediate condition are burned regularly, to create good 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 brown coloured, 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 are still home for some of the wildlife that are present in peatlands in good condition.

However, it is less abundant and some of the wildlife may be lost.

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