12 new projects focused on the restoration of peatlands across England have received £16 million in funding.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said thousands of hectares of peatlands – from the Great North Bog to the Norfolk Broads – are set to be restored through the funding.
The full list of projects that received funding is as follows:
- Norfolk – The Buttle Marshes Restoration project;
- Dorset – The Dorset Peat Partnership;
- Durham – The Durham County Council and the North Pennines AONB (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) partnership;
- Somerset – The RSPB’s Greylake Reserve;
- North Yorkshire – The ‘Moor to Restore’ project;
- Peak District – The ‘Moors for Climate’ partnership;
- Peak District – Park Hall and Kinder Scout project;
- Lincolnshire – The Fens East Peat Partnership;
- Lincolnshire – Humberhead Levels – Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust project;
- Lancashire – The Red Rose Project;
- Lancashire – The Holcombe Moor project;
- Cumbria – Partnership between the National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The UK government said 87% of England’s peatlands are degraded, damaged and dried out, emitting tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
This funding, it said, will help restore these environments and help protect wildlife and restore their ability to manage water quality and reduce the risk of flooding.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Our peatlands hold over half of our terrestrial store of carbon, but with just 1% in a near natural state and soils drying out we must take urgent action to prevent further carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere.
“Backed by over £16 million of government funding these new landscape-scale projects will drive collaboration and supercharge peatland restoration across the country to tackle climate change and fight biodiversity loss.”
Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, said: “Peatlands bring multiple benefits for society and the economy.
“They are huge carbon stores and also massive water filters that enable rivers to run clear. They comprise vital natural flood defences because of how they store water and on top of that support, they support many iconic wildlife species such as the Curlew.
“Wild peatlands also contribute to public health and wellbeing through providing wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation.”
Juniper said restoring peatland landscapes to a “healthy ecological state” will ensure these benefits are protected, enhanced and handed on to future generations.
“I’m delighted these grants will bring more peatlands into the Nature Recovery Network that is so important for delivering our ambition for improving the natural environment in England,” he said.
