More than just a peat bog
Peak District Moorland Restoration
Location: Peak District National Park
The Assignment Phototeam
What will 2020VISION be doing?
We will be documenting all aspects of the peatland restoration work and show why it is important in terms of carbon storage, clean drinking water and flood mitigation as well as highlighting some of the wildlife species that depend on this habitat.
When will 2020VISION be there?
- 16th to 19th May 2011
Where is it?
The project core area covers moorland on Kinder Scout in the Peak District National Park, which is located between the urban conurbations of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby.
Why is it important?
The amount of carbon stored within blanket peat on Kinder Scout is significant and whilst healthy peatlands take in and store carbon, damaged peatlands emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Restoring Kinder Scout to a good condition will help tackle climate change. Upland moorland is the source for drinking water and because the moor is so degraded, the exposed peat gets washed away, finding itself in our water supplies which presents huge water quality and treatment problems. The Peak District National Park attracts millions of visitors each year and is major natural 'playground' for the surrounding conurbations.
What's the project's aim?
The Kinder restoration project aims to reverse 150 years of damage caused by pollution, over-grazing, wild fires, changing weather and human erosion that has left many upland areas bare of vegetation. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of the moors, encourage responsible use, restore and conserve moorland, and develop sustainable management practice.
Who's involved?
Funding for the Kinder restoration project has been secured from the Biffa Awards Scheme, United Utilities, Natural England’s environmental stewardship funds and the National Trust.
What's happening there?
The project will take place over 5 years starting in 2011. The main focus of the work is to repair the damaged moors through a number of restoration techniques that includes reseeding bare areas, direct planting of moorland plants such as cotton grass and increasing sphagnum moss cover. A temporary sheep fence will be erected to protect newly planted vegetation. Hundreds of gullies will also be blocked to raise the water table which is understood to increase peat formation. Upland footpaths are being upgraded to reduce excessive trampling and erosion.
Find out more
http://peakdistrict.nationaltrust.org.uk/our-work
http://www.kinder-scout.co.uk/why-are-we-doing-it.html
