Pennine PeatLIFE

Pennine PeatLIFE was a major peatland project led by the North Pennines National Landscape team, in collaboration with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. It was funded by the EU LIFE programme , Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency. The programme restored 1,780 hectares of peatland in the North Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland. Pennine PeatLIFE established new restoration techniques to suit the climatic conditions and innovative Payment for Ecosystem Services methods were trialled, to inform future peatland restoration funding.

The partners

North Pennines National Landscape
The North Pennines National Landscape partnership is an alliance of 24 public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The staff team 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.

The North Pennines 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 in recognition of the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area. In 2023 AONBs became National Landscapes. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres, the North Pennines is the second largest of the 38 National Landscapes (in England and Wales). Visit National Landscapes for more information.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a local charity working for a county rich in wildlife. They look after over 100 of Yorkshire’s best places for wildlife and encourage people to visit and get involved with their care. The trust stands up for the area’s wildlife wherever it is under threat, and works with others to find solutions that benefit both wildlife and people. They inspire thousands of children, families and others every year, reconnecting them with their local environment and wildlife. With the support of these people, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is restoring and recreating a Living Landscape in Yorkshire and raising awareness of, and fighting for, Yorkshire’s Living Sea.

Forest of Bowland National Landscape
Forest of Bowland National Landscape is one of England’s finest landscapes and is internationally important for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds.

This National Landscape is situated in the North West of England, covering 803 square kilometres of rural land in the counties of Lancashire (730 square kilometres) and North Yorkshire (73 square kilometres). The area is bounded to the north and south by the Rivers Lune and Ribble respectively. On its southeastern edge lies Pendle Hill, which is geologically linked to the rest of the AONB but separated from the main area by the valley of the River Ribble. Approximately 190 square kilometres of the area is blanket bog and upland heath habitat.