Kinder Scout Peatland Restoration Yields Early Success

Conservation efforts on Kinder Scout, Derbyshire's highest point, are nearing completion and already demonstrating significant benefits. The National Trust has employed helicopters to transport sphagnum moss and other materials to the remote peatland. This moss, known for its water-holding capacity, aids in carbon capture and slowing water flow.

Thousands of natural dams, constructed from tree branches, have been established to effectively manage rainwater. This initiative is crucial in mitigating flood risks for communities downstream, including Glossop, Whaley Bridge, and Edale. Restoring these peatlands also plays a vital role in preventing wildfires.

Challenges in accessing the remote site were overcome using helicopter drops. The project targets areas of bare peat, historically impacted by industrial pollution. Early signs indicate success, with a noticeable slowdown in rainwater drainage, a testament to the thousands of years it took for these bogs to form.