A conservation project aimed at rapidly rewetting peatlands on upland moors is playing a key role in protecting ecosystems and nearby communities from wildfires and flooding. The initiative involves the construction of more than 3,000 “scallop bunds”—semi-circular embankments made from peat and re-vegetated to aid water retention—across hundreds of acres on the National Trust’s Holcombe Moor, located north of Manchester.

These bunds function by capturing rainwater at the moor’s higher elevations, resulting in the formation of pools and boggy areas. This wetter terrain supports various bird species, including dunlin and curlew, while also facilitating the restoration of sphagnum moss, an important component of peatlands known for its ability to hold significant amounts of water.

Ben Eardley, nature recovery project manager at the National Trust, explained that the areas treated with scallop bunds have remained wetter, which increases soil resilience against deep-burning fires that can penetrate peat layers. Such fires are particularly damaging to peatlands and can have extensive environmental consequences, including carbon release and habitat loss.

The rewetting scheme not only aids biodiversity but also acts as a natural safeguard against extreme weather impacts. By maintaining moist conditions, the project helps mitigate the risk of severe wildfires in dry periods and reduces the likelihood of flooding through better water absorption during heavy rainfall events.

This peatland restoration effort reflects a growing recognition of the role healthy upland ecosystems play in landscape-scale climate resilience and environmental protection.