In 1964, I was offered a research studentship at Hull University to investigate pattern formation on bogs of the Silver Flowe National Nature Reserve in south-west Scotland. These bogs exhibit the same striking patterns of pools and ridges that are found on peatlands throughout the boreal zone. Although there were many theories about the origins of such patterns (e.g. Sjors, 1961), I was aware that no one had yet produced a plausible explanation that would apply across the whole range of peatlands – from the extensive so-called string bogs of Scandinavia, Siberia and northern Canada to the blanket bogs of Scotland and even Tierra del Fuego. The patterns posed a great puzzle, and I was totally absorbed by the problem.