Combatting climate change in
STALYBRIDGE
The Peak District’s capacity to store carbon in its peatlands is crucial in combatting climate change. Charlie Kenyon speaks to land agent Nina Ward about how the Stalybridge Estate is working with the Moor Carbon project to restore moorland on the hills bordering Manchester and the National Park. “
T
he restoration work we’ve been carrying out at Stalybridge is part of the Estate’s longstanding commitment to reverse the impact of the industrial revolution and damage caused by air pollution,” says Nina. The peat was severely damaged after decades of pollution in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries from the mills and factories in the towns and cities nearby. The pollution killed off the vegetation and made the peatlands extremely susceptible to wildfires and erosion. These catastrophic consequences are being reversed through the Moors for the Future Partnership’s Moor Carbon project. Extensive work has taken place at Stalybridge over recent years. Nina says: “It is difficult terrain to work on but with the Moor Carbon project and the benefit of Moors for the Future Partnership’s
Saddleworth Moor. PHOTO: GRAHAM DUNN/MOORS FOR THE FUTURE
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www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
expertise it means that we can be more successful in re-establishing heather on bare peat.
It’s vital we appreciate how important peatland habitats are for people and wildlife “It’s vital we appreciate how important peatland habitats are for people and wildlife, both now and in the future. As an Estate with a large agricultural interest, alongside the moorland, we will continue our conservation work and enhance it wherever possible.” In England, healthy peatlands hold 300 million tonnes of carbon – they are a
valuable resource in fighting the effects of climate change. Peatland restoration is a huge task across a vast landscape. Jamie Freestone, conservation works officer for the Moors for the Future Partnership, is working on the ground with the Stalybridge Estate to deliver the Moor Carbon project. Jamie says: “What we are doing gives me a real sense of putting in place some defences against climate change for future generations.” Nina agrees: “The Estate values the environmental, recreational and socioeconomic worth of the moorland. We are committed to its future and encouraged that its value is being widely acknowledged. Huge efforts are being made to preserve and enhance this habitat, alongside measures to address climate change, to include flood defence and carbon capture; spreading the message on respecting this truly precious landscape.”
