Cumbria Peat Partnership (CPP)

Introduction

The CPP brings stakeholders together to share knowledge, develop best practice and actively support the restoration, stewardship and the long-term future of the wide range of valuable peat habitats in Cumbria.

Description

It has been estimated that there are over 88,000 hectares of peatland soils in Cumbria. But a survey undertaken by Cumbria Wildlife Trust found that over 95% of County Wildlife Site wetlands surveyed were in poor management condition. Even amongst sites given protection through designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, only 39.7 percentage of sites are classified as ‘Favourable’ condition in Cumbria. The CPP has been working on multiple sites across Cumbria to survey and restore the peatland habitats.

Project Aims

The CPP will actively support the restoration and better stewardship of peatland habitats with the aim of delivering: flood risk management, biodiversity, water resources, water quality, carbon storage, Water Framework Directive benefits.

Restoration Delivered

Since the formation of the partnership over 4000 hectares of peatland habitats have been restored including over 75.5km of drains blocked and the reprofiling of over 175km of hags and 36km of gully edges.

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Project Name: Cumbria Peat Partnership (CPP)

Organisation / Lead partner: Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Location: Kendal, Cumbria

Approximate area covered: 670000 ha

Conservation Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Nature Reserve (NR), National Park (NP), National Nature Reserves(NNR), World Heritage Site, Local Wildlife Site

Predominately: Upland

Peat Habitats: Lowland raised bog, Blanket bog, Upland heath

Project Type: Restoration, Management

Year Project Began: 2012

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