Peatland Restoration in Cumbria

Why do peatlands matter?

• Peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface, yet hold nearly 30% of all soil carbon.
• Peatlands are the world’s largest terrestrial carbon stock, storing more than twice the carbon found in all the world’s forests.
• 70% of our drinking water comes from upland areas dominated by peatlands.
• Peatlands are home to some incredible wildlife, including rare wading birds such as dunlin and curlew, as well as interesting plants like the carnivorous sundew and squishy Sphagnums.

Wildlife

UK Peatlands are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are specially adapted to the unique conditions found in these ecosystems. Peatlands provide a variety of habitats, including wet heath, bog pools, and moss carpets, which support a rich array of flora and fauna.

Insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals, such as dragonflies, adders, curlews, and dunlin, can be found in and around peatland habitats. These species rely on the unique conditions provided by peatlands for nesting, feeding, and breeding.

Water quality and flood control

Peatlands act as a natural sponge, absorbing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly. This natural water regulation helps to prevent flooding downstream and maintain a consistent flow of water in streams and rivers.

Peatlands also act as a natural filter, purifying water as it passes through the Sphagnum moss layers. This filtration process helps to improve water quality, reducing the cost of treatment for drinking water.

What threats do peatlands face?

Peatlands face many threats, including:

• drainage for agricultural use and forestry
• peat extraction to burn as fuel or for horticultural use
• overgrazing
• wildfire

All of these actions degrade peatlands, releasing massive amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, ultimately contributing to climate change. Damaged peatlands also result in wildlife declines and increased drinking water treatment costs.

Flagship Peatlands

Flagship Peatlands will raise the profile and condition of peatland habitats – lowland raised bogs and blanket bog – in Cumbria, improving the condition and connectivity of two major peatland clusters in Cumbria: Skiddaw Forest and the Witherslack Mosses. 

Only 13% of England’s peatlands are in a natural state and public awareness of their importance remains limited and challenging to address. Flagship Peatlands will address these challenges through a programme of work and activity under a framework of three broad themes - celebrating, learning and enhancing. Our activities will have a strong focus on young people including those with limited opportunities to access the countryside and those suffering from climate anxiety.

This project is in development and we plan to delivery the project from 2027.

Restoring Skiddaw; England’s Highest Nature Reserve

We are putting Skiddaw’s damaged peatland into recovery. At 1,077 acres (a similar size to Derwent Water), this is the largest and most expensive peatland restoration project we have carried out in one year and our experienced peatland staff are readying themselves for the work to begin on site in early autumn 2026. 

We’ll also carry out boundary repair work – replacing damaged and degraded fencing, reaching a length of 3,600m. This is one of the longest-length fences we’ve ever installed and thanks to a new type of metal post it will withstand the harsh conditions on Skiddaw Forest for much longer than more conventional fencing. This fencing is vital, to keep off wandering sheep so plants can recover and thrive. We’ll also repair the access track giving easier access for these works.

Meet the Team

Head of Land Recovery - Gemma Jennings
Acting Peatland Team Manager - Susie Webb
Peatland Officer - Heidi Buck
Peatland Officer - Tom Lemmey
Peatland Officer - Melanie Sugden
Peatland Officer - Grace Fuller