South West Peatland Partnership launches peatland restoration project at Burrator Reservoir

In a move to preserve and rejuvenate Burrator Reservoir's natural landscape, South West Water has joined forces with the South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) to embark on a large-scale project aimed at restoring the area's peatland.

The 208-acre site, marred by previous human activities, is set to undergo a comprehensive revitalisation.

Collisions with vehicles, peat cuttings, tin-streaming, and military activities have collectively left the reservoir's peatland in a fragile state. To counteract this, the restoration plan involves constructing dams to obstruct gullies, arresting water drainage, and strategically employing willow to curb water flow, create wildlife habitats, and mitigate peat erosion.

With over 1,000 hectares of peatland already restored between April 2020 to March 2023, SWPP's diligent efforts are yielding tangible results.

The SWPP's strategy encompasses a range of interventions tailored to nurse the damaged peatland back to health.

Peatlands, often overlooked heroes of the ecosystem, play a pivotal role in safeguarding water quality by acting as natural barriers against runoff into rivers and reservoirs. Additionally, they serve as crucial carbon repositories and provide habitats for diverse wildlife, contributing significantly to regional biodiversity.

The endeavour is supported with financial backing from South West Water and Natural England's Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme.

Morag Angus, Peatland Partnership Project Manager at South West Water, has highlighted the project's alignment with broader goals, aiming to revive bog species and facilitate peat formation at Burrator Reservoir.

Wesley Smyth, Natural England Deputy Director for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly, applauds the initiative at Burrator Reservoir, and has recognised its role in restoring Dartmoor's peatlands.

Carolyn Cadman, Director of Natural Resources at South West Water, has emphasised the integration of SWPP's efforts into their catchment management program, Upstream Thinking, which aims to create and restore habitats over the next five years.

Securing £9 million from Natural England’s Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (NCPGS) in 2021, SWPP's four-year project has aligned with the government's commitment to climate and environment.

Beyond financial backing, the project draws support from the Duchy of Cornwall, the National Trust, Cornwall Council, and a network of invaluable partners.