We're pleased to announce that we've received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Flagship Peatlands project. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to restore degraded peatlands and to increase public understanding of this important but endangered habitat.

We've been awarded development funding of £247,676 by the Heritage Fund to progress our plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

Our work will focus on two of our flagship nature reserves: Foulshaw Moss at Witherslack near Grange, and Skiddaw Forest, England’s highest nature reserve. In addition to restoring damaged peatlands, the aim of the project is to improve public access and raise public awareness of peatland habitats.

Susie Webb, Acting Peatland Team Manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “We’re thrilled to receive this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Public connection with peatlands is fairly low compared to other habitats. They’re often seen as bleak, barren places where you might get stuck or end up with wet feet, but they’re beautiful and important places. We aim to reverse the public perception and raise the profile of this Cinderella habitat. With our programme of activities and events, we hope everyone becomes as passionate as we are about protecting peatlands. 

“Thanks to National Lottery players, as well as carrying out vital peatland conservation work we can now develop our plans for community outreach. We’ll be working with a wide range of local organisations including schools, transport companies and disability groups, to plan improved access to peatlands, and to enthuse and inspire people about these amazing and important habitats. Our aim is to ensure that Cumbria’s peatlands become healthy and truly accessible for everyone to enjoy, for generations to come”

Louise Sutherland, Head of Engagement, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support Cumbria Wildlife Trust to develop their plans to protect the wildlife-rich landscapes of Foulshaw Moss and Skiddaw Forest, while allowing local communities to connect and learn about their importance. It is vital that we value, rebuild and protect our natural heritage so it is sustained for the future, and this project has that at its core.”

Healthy peatlands are important not only because they support a wide range of rare plants and animals. They also have a key role in tackling climate change. They have huge benefits in terms of carbon storage and improving water quality. Sadly up to 95% of Cumbria’s peatlands are in poor condition. Due to historic management, they’ve dried out and become degraded and the carbon they store is now being released into the atmosphere. This also has a negative impact on their ability to store water and provide a home for a range of unique biodiversity. 

With funding from the Heritage Fund, we'll continue our ongoing peatland restoration work and produce plans to address these species losses. This includes studies into the possible reintroduction of specialist wildlife such as black grouse and the rosy marsh moth.