In a groundbreaking initiative, conservationists in Yorkshire are reintroducing a rare species of moss in a bid to combat climate change and restore vital ecosystems. The Sphagnum austinii, a moss that has been absent from the region for centuries, is being planted in the Yorkshire Dales and Marsden Moor. This effort not only aims to enhance carbon storage but also to create new habitats for diverse wildlife.
The Fight for Peatlands
The reintroduction of Sphagnum austinii is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate peatlands, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Peat bogs can retain up to 20 times their weight in water, creating environments that trap carbon rather than allowing it to escape into the atmosphere. This is particularly critical as the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change.
At Kingsdale Head Farm in Ingleton, the Yorkshire Peat Partnership has taken the lead on this ambitious project. Beth Thomas, the organisation’s data and evidence manager, explains the significance of the austinii species: “This moss was once dominant in the Dales but vanished due to drainage and industrial activities. By reintroducing it, we aim to restore not only the peat habitat but also its many ecological functions.”
Restoration Efforts in Action
The Sphagnum austinii, sourced from Scotland where it still thrives, is being cultivated in local nurseries before being strategically planted in the blanket bogs of the Yorkshire Dales. Each planting site is meticulously logged with GPS for ongoing monitoring. With two-thirds of the 610-hectare Kingsdale Head site composed of blanket bog, farm manager Jamie McEwan reports promising early results from the restoration efforts. “Large areas of the landscape are characterised by these peatlands, but the real change happens at a micro level,” he notes.
Meanwhile, Marsden Moor, located between Huddersfield and Manchester, has a different history. Although Sphagnum moss has not completely disappeared from this area, it has suffered greatly from centuries of industrial pollution. Managed by the National Trust, rangers have been working tirelessly to re-wet the moorland for over 20 years. Ian Downson, the area ranger, invites the public to learn about the moss’s unique properties at the National Trust’s nursery. “Sphagnum gets its nutrients from the air and water. Unfortunately, historical pollution has severely impacted its growth,” he says.
A Carbon Capture Champion
The ongoing restoration at Marsden Moor has led to the planting of hundreds of thousands of sphagnum plugs, which have collectively captured more than one million tonnes of carbon—equivalent to the emissions from approximately 150,000 round-trip flights from London to Sydney. “Peatlands accumulate about a millimetre of peat each year, which is essential for carbon storage,” Downson explains. “When sphagnum dominates a bog, it acts as a barrier against wildfires, significantly reducing their impact.”
The National Trust asserts that healthy peat can sequester between 30 to 70 kilograms of carbon per cubic metre. This vital function underscores the need for continued restoration efforts. Thomas adds, “Our goal isn’t to revert the moors to their state from a millennium ago, but to ensure they can thrive in a changing climate. Increasing plant diversity is key to fostering resilience in these ecosystems.”
Why it Matters
The restoration of Sphagnum moss in Yorkshire represents a vital step in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. By revitalising peatlands, these projects not only enhance carbon capture but also create essential habitats for wildlife. As climate pressures mount, initiatives like these offer a glimmer of hope, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can play a pivotal role in forging a sustainable future for our planet.
