World Wetlands Day 2022: new technique to boost North Pennines peatland restoration

A peatland restoration technique that has not previously been used in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)could help to tackle problem areas where peat is severely degraded.

On World Wetlands Day (2 February 2022) the North Pennines AONB Partnership is sharing the first images of peat bund creation in the AONB. The bunds are being installed on the High Helbeck estate in Cumbria, where the AONB team has been working with landowners and partners as part of an innovative Green Recovery Challenge Fund project to initiate the restoration of natural processes and increase wildlife.

The project includes the restoration of 79 hectares of degraded blanket bog, and the peat bunds were installed at the end of January 2022 as part of this programme of work. The team has used low ground pressure diggers to create the bunds or small pools. Water would then remain closer to the surface during the hot summer months, enabling the water table to stabilise and the protective moss layer to regenerate. The pools blend into the landscape, providing more open water which is particularly important for invertebrates and breeding wading birds. Healthy peat takes in and stores carbon from the atmosphere, helping to tackle climate change.

Andrew Stimson, Field Officer for the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “It has been great to be able to work with Ben and Nicolete Blackett-Ord to trial this technique at High Helbeck and to help support their vision for the way they want to look after the land for the future. Over time, the land has been left dry and exposed, and we suspected that in the summer the water table was dropping and being drawn down from the surface damaging the vital peatland.

“On World Wetlands Day, when awareness is being raised of the importance of taking action to conserve wetlands for people and the planet, we’re very pleased to share the work we’re doing here at High Helbeck.”

The team will measure the success of the trials by installing dip wells to measure water table fluctuations before and after the bunds are created. The progress of revegetation is measured by comparing before and after quadrats where the extent and species of mosses are surveyed. The team will also plant sphagnum clumps in other areas and vegetation will be monitored to compare any differences in recovery.

Landowner Nicolete Blackett-Ord said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of the pools on the wading birds that come to High Helbeck in great numbers each year to breed. While we can’t see the fantastic work these peat bunds are doing to protect the land below the surface, the abundance of wildlife above gives us confidence that our approach to managing the land here is making a difference for nature.”

Dianna Kopansky, Coordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-led Global Peatlands Initiative congratulated the team for their innovative spirit. “The global peatlands community is looking to the North Pennines AONB team’s important restoration work on High Helbeck estate in Cumbria. Peatland restoration inspiration is urgently needed to scale up action helping to tackle the nature and climate crisis. The Green Recovery Challenge Fund project looks like an important approach that can be replicated both in the UK and elsewhere to support the #GenerationRestoration movement.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth at North Pennines AONB Partnership for further information – shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk, Phone: 07768 123247
2. Images from the restoration are shown below and are available for download here­­­­­­­­­­­ https://northpennines.org.uk/images-for-world-wetlands-day-press-release/  . For alternative images please contact Sarah on 01388 528801 or email shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
3. The North Pennines AONB Partnership’s High Helbeck project was one of the first environmental projects awarded a grant from Defra’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund is being delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
4. 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. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.
5. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 AONBs (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 AONB Family.
6. 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 AONB are within the boundaries of five local authorities; the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland, Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council.
7. The North Pennines AONB Partnership is an alliance of 24 public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the AONB. The work of the Partnership is carried out by its Staff Unit 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.
8. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being an AONB 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.