Moorland project resumes with helicopter deliveries

The restoration of a wide area of moorland in the Peak District has resumed, with vital materials being delivered by helicopter. Work was temporarily halted to accommodate the breeding season of ground-nesting birds. 

The airlifts brought supplies, such as heather brash, lime, seed and fertilizers, to remote locations on Kinder Scout in Derbyshire. The materials will help restore 526 hectares of peatland and stablise areas of bare peat by temporarily lowering its acidity and creating the right conditions for moorland plants to grow. 

At an earlier stage of the project, sphagnum moss was planted to act as “speed bumps” for rainfall. Instead of running down in a straight line, the water will be forced to weave its way more slowly. 

Kinder Scout is the highest location in the Peak District and project manager Phil Owen explained: “Without helicopters we wouldn’t be able to work in such remote and sensitive areas.” 

The remaining restoration aims to encourage moorland plants such as heather, bilberry and cotton grass, which create vital habitats for birds such as golden plover. Plans include work to reduce wider erosion. 

The £2.4m project is expected to be completed by 2025 and the National Trust has committed to have all the degraded peatlands in its care under restoration by 2040.