Green Recovery grant to aid Bowland restoration work

Peat restoration work can be carried out on a Bowland fell, thanks to a £200,000 plus grant.
Dr Chris Miller surveying at Holme House FellDr Chris Miller surveying at Holme House Fell
Dr Chris Miller surveying at Holme House Fell

A conservation project to restore peatlands in the Bowland fells has been chosen as one of the first schemes to gain funding from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

The £233,900 grant will enable work to be carried out on Holme House Fell.

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The work is a joint project between the Bowland AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Partnership and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The 127 hectare site is at the centre of the Bowland Fells SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the largest expanse of blanket bog and heather moorland in the county.

An AONB spokesperson said “The scheme will include work to reduce surface water flow, decrease carbon loss caused by peat erosion,improve water quality and increase the potential of the habitat to act as a carbon sink.”

Restoration work will be by an experienced moorland contractor, who will also be providing initial training in peatland restoration skills to a local contractor.

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AONB Manager Elliott Lorimer said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant to help restore a significant area of internationally important blanket bog habitat.The project will be jointly delivered with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and will also help support the recovery of the wider rural economy, benefitting local contractors and suppliers.”