Construction companies collaborate to restore peatland in the North Pennines

13 May 2025

UK company Speedy Hire, a leading provider of tools and equipment has collaborated with their customer Sisk, a building firm, to support peatland restoration in the North Pennines.

Speedy Hire and Sisk have contributed to the North Pennines National Landscape team’s peatland programme by purchasing cottongrass plug plants, which are used for the revegetation of bare peat. Earlier this year, their employees also braved the blustery conditions of the North Pennines uplands to take part in a volunteer restoration day for a second time. With help from the North Pennines National Landscape team, they planted many cottongrass plug plants on a site in Cumbria.

The North Pennines has vast areas of peatland and helping to restore this habitat by planting cottongrass is hugely beneficial to the environment. As the plants grow, they revegetate areas of bare peat and their roots bind the surface of the peat together, preventing further erosion. This reduces the risk of flooding in cities, towns and villages miles from the North Pennines, by slowing down the flow of water from the high moorlands. Peatland restoration decreases the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere because healthy peatland acts as a store rather than a source of carbon. This work is also good for nature as it increases the biodiversity of plants and animals which thrive on healthy peatlands.

Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, said: “At Speedy Hire, we’re committed to driving sustainable change, and projects like this demonstrate how businesses can take action to support nature recovery and climate resilience. Peatlands are one of the most powerful natural climate solutions, and by working together with John Sisk, we’re not only restoring ecosystems but also strengthening partnerships within our supply chain to create long-term social and environmental value.”

Nick Summerfield, Regional Director UK North at Sisk, added: “It’s fantastic to be back in the North Pennines with Speedy Hire, making a real difference to an area that plays such a vital role in tackling climate change. Sustainability is a core part of how we operate at Sisk, and working with supply chain partners who share our values means we can collectively contribute to a greener, more resilient future.”

Paul Leadbitter, Peatland Programme Manager with the North Pennines National Landscape team said: “We are very grateful to Speedy Hire and Sisk for supporting our peatland restoration work as part of their commitment to minimise their impact on the environment. The involvement of these companies is a key example of how we our developing new relationships with the private sector, to help us carry out peatland restoration at a landscape-scale. We look forward to working with both of them again.”

Rebekah Bainbridge, Peatland Field Officer with the North Pennines National Landscape team, commented: “Having the support of Sisk and Speedy Hire in purchasing and planting cottongrass plugs for a second year has been brilliant. The volunteers worked really hard despite the cold and wintery weather conditions and the plugs they planted will add to the other restoration techniques to help restore this degraded peatland. This will help to restore these vital habitats and reduce the loss of carbon, increase biodiversity and help to mitigate flood risk further downstream. Businesses supporting our work, not just with funding but also with hands-on volunteering is invaluable, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued commitment.”

Notes for editors

1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Lead from the North Pennines National Landscape team for further information – communications@northpennines.org.uk Phone: 01388 528801 / 07768 123247

2. Images from the volunteer restoration day are attached. For alternative images please contact Sarah, Kate or Jane on communications@northpennines.org.uk

3. The North Pennines National Landscape is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.

4. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the National Landscapes family.

5. The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.

6. The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership is an alliance of public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The work of the Partnership is carried out by the National Landscape team which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.

7. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being a National Landscape, the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events.