Cumbria’s peatlands get a major restoration push

A major restoration effort is underway in Skiddaw Forest, where 435 hectares of damaged peatland will be revived as part of a £1.2 million project.

Led by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the work includes repairing a 6-kilometer boundary fence to safeguard the area, which holds one of the largest continuous blanket bogs in the Lake District. This vital ecosystem acts as a powerful carbon sink, helping to combat climate change.

Peatland team manager Susie Webb explains that the restored land will also help slow water runoff from the fells, reducing flood risks for downstream communities. The improvements will benefit diverse wildlife, including specialist plants like sundews and sphagnum mosses, as well as dragonflies and birds such as snipe, which thrive in wet grasslands and moorlands.

The project is expected to take between three to four months, with public access to Skiddaw Forest remaining unaffected. Webb anticipates a noticeable increase in biodiversity as the peatland recovers, marking a step toward healthier ecosystems and stronger local resilience.