Gully blocking. Restoring blanket bog to moorland through damming gullies on Kinder Scout, Derbyshire, Peak District National Park, England, UK
This image is exclusive to Alamy. A combination of wildfires, air pollution, overgrazing by sheep and excessive recreational pressure, has left large areas of the Dark Peak moors in a very poor condition, with very little vegetation cover. In this state the peat below becomes exposed. Over the last 5 years we have also discovered that peat has a major role to play in the fight against climate change, as it is a significant store of carbon, when in good condition. However when the peat becomes exposed, it releases carbon from the decomposed organic material that forms the peat. Focusing on the worst affected areas of Kinder and Bleaklow, along with other partner organisations (through Moors for the Future Partnership), we have undertaken the huge task of restoring the moors and the peat, using innovative and experimental techniques. Techniques involved in establishing the vegetation include; spraying the peat with grass by helicopter, planting cotton grass plugs and spreading heather brash to help create a protective skin. We are also helping to return the moors to blanket bog by gully blocking the many thousands of ditches which scar the high moors. This also helps stabilise the peat and stops it being washed down into the reservoirs. It is estimated that million bags of peat are washed off of the moors in the dark peak every year. In the Derwent Valley, we have worked with our tenants to help recreate heather moorland. We have so far managed to convert over 300 hectares of acid grassland into a mixture of heather, bilberry and other dwarf shrub. The result in this area has been the significant increase in wildlife, especially a rise in the number of curlew, golden plover and mountain hare in the area.
Size: 5352px × 3568px
Location: Kinder Scout, Derbyshire, Peak District National Park, England, UK
Photo credit: © Martyn Williams / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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