Peatland restoration works to begin at the heart of the moor

Peatland restoration works to begin at the heart of the moor

This winter, ambitious restoration efforts are due to begin at Cranmere Pool in the next phase of works as part of a collaborative approach working to safeguard the future of Dartmoor’s peatlands.

Healthy peatlands are vital for wildlife, water quality and carbon storage. They also serve as essential archives of history, culture, and tradition. Peatland restoration methods are used to slow the flow of water off areas of drained, dried and eroding peatlands, blocking erosion channels, reducing runoff and improving the hydrological functioning of the peat.

Scheduled to commence in December 2023, the South West Peatland Partnership will aim to bring back a healthy peat bog in the Cranmere Pool area, that may over time enable the pool to hold water again once more.

Dr Martin Gillard, Historic Environment Officer for the South West Peatland Partnership, sheds light on the significance of this project:

"Cranmere is an exceptionally exciting site for us. Not only is it shrouded in myth and legend, but it's also the very place where the Dartmoor letterboxing tradition began in the 1850s. When Benjamin Donn published the most detailed mapping of Devon at that time (1765) he included Cranmere Pool as the most noteworthy feature on the north of Dartmoor.

"However, the pool itself now stands dry, as it has done for many years. Like much of the UK’s peatlands, the peat in and around Cranmere Pool is not hydrologically functioning anymore. Without intervention, these historic elements, the peat, and this culturally significant landscape are at risk of further deterioration. "

The SWPP is a £13 million, 4-year project. £9 million comes from Natural England’s Nature for Climate Peatland Restoration scheme (NCPGS) with significant match funding from South West Water, the Duchy of Cornwall, Cornwall Council and the National Trust, with support in kind coming from many other vital partners involved in the project.

The SWPP is working to restore 2,634 hectares of degraded peatland across West Penwith, Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Through restoration the SWPP is working to prevent 652,625 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from being released as peatlands continue to degrade.

Dr Gillard shared how peatland restoration can help to expand our knowledge of historical land use: "Peatland restoration across the South West couldn’t take place without our team of in-house archaeologists, ensuring that the historic environment is central to our planning, consultation, and practical efforts. This may involve excluding specific features from restoration areas, conducting vigilant site monitoring during machinery operations, adding findings to the historical record, or commissioning research into past uses of the peatland by generations before us. In the case of Cranmere Pool, we will be commissioning a study of historic documentary references to it and carrying out an archaeological watching brief on the works."

The South West Peatland Partnership is dedicated to restoring over 2,500 hectares of degrading peatland by 2025. A collaborative effort spanning Exmoor, Dartmoor, and Cornwall, the partnership focuses on reducing water runoff, diversifying wildlife habitats, mitigating carbon emissions from eroding peat, and safeguarding the historical environment.

Morag Angus, SWPP Manager, highlighted the importance of this timely positive action for Dartmoor’s peatlands and the challenges faced:

"We’re determined to make a positive difference to the future of these sites, acting with urgency and ambition through our collaborative efforts on the ground. Together, we are discovering the best ways to keep carbon in the ground, and benefit people, wildlife and the planet.

“It will take time to restore water to the areas we work in. Much of the peat is crumbling, and has peat pipes – erosion channels below the ground caused by drying peat and water – that funnel a lot of water off site. Whilst restoration at Cranmere Pool should raise the water table, it might not be possible to create a pool that holds water above the surface all year round, particularly in summer."

Morag also added: "Keep an eye out for us on the moors as we carry out our work. Where sites are on open-access land the area, of course, remains accessible to all. However, we urge everyone to adhere to guidance provided by contractors and signage to ensure safety around machinery and ongoing restoration work."

Tom Stratton, Land Steward for the Duchy of Cornwall (the landowner at Cranmere Pool) in Devon, shared: “The Duchy of Cornwall is pleased to see this exciting next phase of the restoration progress take place; one which we hope will restore Cranmere Pool, which is such a notable feature of Dartmoor’s high moorland landscape.”

Cranmere Pool is at the heart of several Dartmoor legends, the most common of which involve the former mayor of Okehampton, Benjamin Gayer or Gear ordered to empty the pool with a sieve as punishment for stealing sheep.

Richard Drysdale, Director of Conservation and Communities for Dartmoor National Park Authority, also highlighted the importance of the work: “The Peatland Partnership programme brings wide benefits for nature, people, place and climate and we are pleased to support the next phase of the restoration programme.”

Carolyn Cadman, Director of Natural Resources at South West Water shared the importance of local peatlands for water and wildlife: “South West Water is proud to be a key partner in South West Peatland Partnership's timely work. We're supporting this investment in our region's peatlands for our customers and the environment, helping to slow the flow of water from upland areas, improve water quality and enhance habitats for wildlife."