A Calderdale Council employee, referred to as a “peatland pioneer”, has been recognised for her commitment to climate action as a finalist in the Environment 100 awards.
The council’s lead officer for the Calderdale Sphagnum Project, Gill Wrigley, has been included on the Environment 100 list, which celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Calderdale Council said Wrigley’s nomination recognises her work as a “peatland pioneer”, leading the work with sphagnum moss to help restore Calderdale’s moorland areas.
This important moss plays a vital role in regenerating peatlands, which are the UK’s largest carbon stores. By storing up to 20 times its own weight in water, sphagnum moss also helps mitigate flooding, offering essential protection to downstream communities,” the council said.
Working with volunteers, Wrigley has helped develop a successful method of growing the moss in a nursery environment, as part of the National Lottery-funded Growing Resilience Project
Around 1500 plug plants have already been planted on moorlands, with further grant funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority supporting this and other landscaping work needed for the sphagnum to become established.
Further planting is due to take place throughout this winter.
Gill Wrigley
Calderdale Council said Wrigley brings her horticultural knowledge to the project and has identified suitable planting sites.
She supports the volunteers to work in the nursery and to take part in planting.
Findings from the project are being shared with organisations across the country, with Wrigley encouraging others to learn from the work to support wider climate action.
This engagement work has also involved working with local schools and colleges as part of an educational outreach programme.
Wrigley has worked with over 400 young people to highlight the importance of nature conservation and peatland restoration, inspiring a new generation.
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate action and housing, Scott Patient, said: “Protecting our precious peatlands is a crucial part of the Calderdale Climate Action Plan.
“Through the Sphagnum Moss Project, we’re supporting ways to restore these important habitats, which bring big benefits including storing massive amounts of carbon whilst reducing the risk of flooding and moorland fires.
“Our Sphagnum Project Officer, Gill Wrigley is a passionate advocate for climate action, and I’m absolutely thrilled that her commitment has been nationally recognised, with a place on the Environment 100 list.”
Patient said he has seen first-hand how Wrigley’s knowledge and enthusiasm has been a vital part of the success of this project, supporting the council’s volunteers in efforts to grow the plant.
“Gill and the rest of the talented team continue to promote the project and share learning with other national organisations to support efforts to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.”
Gill Wrigley said: “It’s an honour to be named as an Environment 100 finalist. I love my job and I have an amazing team of colleagues and volunteers who support me.
“I hope that this recognition will bring greater awareness locally and nationally of the importance of peatland restoration in addressing the causes and effects of climate change and inspires more organisations to ‘grow moss for peat’s sake.”
