Sods Collection

Shetland Islands - Cutting a peat bank
A Crofter cutting a peat bank on The Shetland Islands, Scotland. Date: circa 1920s

A Shetland Peat Carrier
A Woman of the Shetland Islands carring turves of peat in a wicker back pack basket. She does her knitting whilst she walks (possible some distance). Date: circa 1910s

Throwing peat into trailer during peat cutting, County Clare
Throwing peat into a trailer during peat cutting, County Clare, Ireland Date: 1992

Turfing on the Somerset levels. This bears the caption: " The weather is terrible with rain, snow, thunder etc." - rather a neat link to 99 years later

The Orkney Express
A slightly mocking postcard entitled: The Orkney Express, depicting an ox-drawn cart carrying peat and a local farmer Date: 1910s

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Discover the timeless tradition of peat cutting in the breathtaking landscapes of the Shetland Islands. Watch as a local peat carrier skillfully harvests sods from a peat bank, each one a testament to the island's rich natural resources. In County Clare, Ireland, the process continues as peat is carefully thrown into trailers, bound for homes and hearths. Meanwhile, on the Orkney Islands, a peat turfing crew expertly lays sods, preserving the ancient craft passed down through generations. And in England's Somerset Levels, the Manchester Ship Canal receives a steady supply of peat, a vital fuel source for the region's industries. This journey through peat harvesting traditions showcases the enduring connection between people and the land.