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North Somerset’s Peatland Initiative has been awarded £450,000 from the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot scheme – a new government scheme that helps regional authorities conserve and restore lowland peat areas across England. Led by the Environment Agency, it’s part of the government’s wider strategy for meeting its nature and climate targets.
When properly maintained, peatlands store carbon, improve biodiversity and act as flood protection for local communities. However, when these habitats are damaged and dry out, they start to emit carbon dioxide and contribute to the climate emergency.
To help restore these habitats, North Somerset Council has joined forces with local and regional partners to form North Somerset’s Peatland Initiative. Using the funding from the grant, the project will carry out extensive surveys and ground investigations of the North Somerset Levels and Moors.
Finding out as much information as possible is crucial to protect the landscape and work out how to help the habitats recover.
As this land is privately owned, North Somerset’s Peatland Initiative will work closely with landowners. The project will provide a real benefit to local farmers, as the findings will be used to help them secure funding and seek support for peatland management.
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, said: “I’m overjoyed that North Somerset’s Peatland Initiative is one of 13 national projects to have been awarded a prestigious grant from the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot.
“Competition to secure the grant was fierce, and it’s a testament to the strength of our project, which will see us working alongside landowners to help them restore and conserve peatlands in our local area.
“North Somerset Council is committed to tackling the climate emergency, and replenishing our carbon stores through restoring local peatland is a key part of this. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds in this exciting area.”
For more information, visit Nature recovery to be accelerated as the government delivers on measures to protect land and sea - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Picture credit: Liz Milner