This year has seen wildfires in Europe become a normal site in the news but beyond that, it’s now happening every year right on our own doorsteps. Moorland is the habitat most at risk of fire in the UK – and as the source of all our drinking water in Manchester and the charismatic landscape lining the tops of most of the crags we climb in in the Peak District and beyond, I wanted to give KMC a chance to learn more about (and join in!) the work underway to protect and restore peatlands in the Peak District National Park, alongside the Moors for the Future Partnership team.

Sphagnum is the ecosystem engineer responsible for creating moorland landscapes in the UK and is vital to its the repair. It can soak up to 20 times its weight in water, stopping the moors from drying out, and, due to the unique way in which it grows, create fresh peat. The Goyt Valley site on which this work is taking place was damaged by a devastating wildfire in 2025, so this work is especially important to repair the fire damage, and to make it more resilient to fire in the future.

This vital work takes place in all weathers on uneven moorland terrain, so if you’re taking part, you will need:

• Warm clothing plus a spare warm layer to put on whilst you are eating your lunch
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Walking boots or preferably wellies
• Lunch, snacks and some fluids (Thermos flask is a good idea)
• Waterproof work/gardening gloves (we can lend if you don’t have these) and a warm hat.

Please meet at Derbyshire Bridge car park at 9:30am: Derbyshire Bridge Car Park - Peak District NP - Google Maps . The day will likely run til mid/late afternoon. 

Spaces in this event are limited and, although I'm running it as a KMC meet, all attendees will be participating in a Moors for the Future-run event and so will need to follow guidance and instruction of MFFP staff. This event is open to all members. If you have a family member who is particularly keen to attend who is not a KMC member, please just message me directly and I can see if they can be accommodated.