Home / Environment / Bridestones Rewilded: Restoring Peatland to Capture Carbon and Boost Biodiversity
Bridestones Rewilded: Restoring Peatland to Capture Carbon and Boost Biodiversity
9 Oct
Summary
- Bridestones Rewilded acquiring farmland to create insect habitat and attract endangered birds
- Clearing cattle grazing land to restore peatland, a powerful carbon sink
- Project needs £217,000 in crowdfunding to complete purchase and restoration
In October 2025, British conservationists in West Yorkshire are working hard to crowdfund the protection and restoration of a vital habitat. The Bridestones Rewilded project is in the process of acquiring 114 acres of farmland with grand plans for remediation.
The group hopes to create pools and clear cattle grazing land to attract a variety of endangered bird species, including curlew, lapwing, red grouse, and golden plover, which have been spotted in the area. Restoring the peatland is also a key focus, as it is a powerful carbon sink twice as effective as forests.
To complete the purchase and restoration, Bridestones Rewilded still needs £217,000 and is running a crowdfunding campaign. "Our mission is to preserve Bridestones Moor as a place where wildlife can thrive and people can connect with nature," said co-founder Anthony Arak. The project aims to increase local heritage awareness, provide an education platform, and offer excellent views accessible to all.
"Land is at a premium, and everyone just wants to build on it," said ecologist Andrew Cockroft. "We're going to save this bit so everyone can come up and enjoy it." With the community's support, Bridestones Rewilded hopes to protect threatened species, capture carbon, and reduce flood risk in the region.
