£92,000 to bring bog up to standard

A local reservoir has been given a huge funding boost to restore its picturesque surroundings.

RSPB Dovestone has received £92,000 from SITA Trust, the ethical funding organisation dedicated to improving the environment, to repair the severely degraded bog border to its former glory.

Using the money, the RSPB will be able to reintroduce sphagnum mosses into areas of bare peat on the moorland above the reservoir, to make the bog more stable and to stop the loss of peat into the water courses.

Gullies will also be blocked as part of the project, which will prevent water draining off the plateau and enable the habitat to naturally start reforming

Dave O’Hara, site manager at Dovestone, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this grant as it will enable us to continue supporting the work in the Dark Peak Nature Improvement Area, and restore the land to its former state.”

Marek Gordon of SITA Trust added “We are delighted to have been able to support this project thorough the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.2 billion.”

Dovestone Reservoir is owned by United Utilities and the water company works in partnership with the RSPB, which manage the estate. The partnership aims to encourage public access and recreation, while protecting water quality and wildlife for future generations.