Work has started on a peatland restoration project across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.

The Environment Agency will work alongside a number of partners across six sites after £163,300 of funding was secured through the Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs..

Both upland and lowland peatlands will be restored to their natural state by increasing their capacity to prevent carbon entering the atmosphere, reduce flood risk by slowing the flow of rain water and creating habitats for vulnerable wildlife.

Funding has been awarded as part of a Defra peatlands restoration pot of £500,000, with further projects to take place around the country.

-- Advertisement --

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: "Well-maintained peatlands are an iconic aspect of the English landscape and are a vital part of the natural ecosystem. They provide key habitats for wildlife, supply us with clean water and reduce carbon emissions.

"This scheme will help fulfil our ambition to be the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state while returning thousands of hectares of peatland to their natural state."

Lisa Whelan, Environment Programme Manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Peatlands are a fantastic resource and these restoration projects have multiple benefits to the environment. Work at the sites will include creating fire breaks and peat bunds, introduce new plant species, block ditches along with further initiatives to restore the peatlands.

"Some projects will also serve as study sites for trials of innovative new restoration techniques. As well as having a huge environmental benefit such as reducing greenhouse gases it will enhance habitats for wildlife."

(LM)