Swarthghyll

A total of 49.7 hectares of peatland has been successfully restored over a period of approximately 15 months. The restoration process commenced in December 2021 with surveys, followed by planning, funding application, and validation of the peatland code. Contractors were then able to begin their work in October 2022 and successfully completed it by February 2023. This restoration project has resulted in a reduction of 9499 tCO2e over a span of 100 years.

Desk-based surveys using aerial images to identify potential restoration features were undertaken; site surveys were conducted to pinpoint drains, haggs and bare peat areas; a full peat depth survey was completed along with ecological and historic environment surveys.

We worked with Yorkshire Peat Partnership to successfully gain funding from Defra’s Nature For Climate Peatland Grant Scheme. The project has been Validated by The Peatland Code verifying the carbon emissions reductions made over the lifetime of the project. We are now beginning comprehensive monitoring of restoration success and the work will be Verified 5 years after site work has finished.

Ditches were blocked with peat dams to stop organic peat eroding into water courses, helping to raise the water table and create conditions for bog-building vegetation such as sphagnum moss to thrive. Eroding peat haggs were re-profiled and re-vegetated. Areas of bare peat were re-vegetated with turf where possible, or covered with brash cut onsite, seeded and plug-planted with cottongrass to stabilise and re-vegetate the bare peat. Peatland restoration and protection is vital to reduce flood risk, enhance ecosystems and help nature thrive.