Restoring the Goyt Valley: how recovery efforts are bringing peatland back from the brink

In 2025, the Goyt Valley suffered a huge peatland fire.

The fire burned for 2 days and destroyed 1.6 square kilometres of moorland, equivalent to 325 football pitches. This was devastating for local communities and nature, as well as for the Moors for the Future Partnership, who had been working towards healthy moorlands in the area for years.

Peatlands like the Goyt Valley are the UK’s largest carbon store. In the Peak District alone, 20 million tonnes of carbon is stored in peat. But without healthy plant cover, peatlands can be eroded at a rate of up to 1 meter a year – releasing all that stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Sadly, 80% of Peak District peatland is in poor condition, due to issues like industrial pollution and wildfires. This is having a catastrophic effect on climate and nature. But it’s not too late.

Repairing the peatlands in the Peak District could have the same carbon capturing effect as planting 15,000 broadleaved trees each year. And thanks to generous supporters of the Foundation, work is now taking place to help the Goyt Valley recover. The project is designed to make the ground wetter, which will:

  • reduce fire risk
  • enhance habitats for wildlife
  • improve drinking water quality
  • store carbon and reduce emissions

Above: volunteers from BMC and United Utilities planting sphagnum in the Goyt Valley

Key aspects of the project include:

  • sphagnum moss planting
  • blocking eroded gullies with timber and stone dams, to slow the flow of water on the moors
  • scientific research and monitoring

This amazing work has truly been a team effort, with key funding from United Utilities and the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, as well as generous support from the University of Derby via Ecologi. Plus the work of heroic volunteers, planting sphagnum in all weathers. We’re grateful to everyone who has donated or given their time to help the Goyt Valley recover and be even more resilient for the future. Your enthusiasm and commitment is another reason for hope.

Photos: Moors for the Future Partnership

Support peatland restoration

Peatland restoration can only happen with your support. Donate to our appeal today.

Your donation will support:

  • large-scale planting of sphagnum moss alongside other native moorland plants like cotton grass, crowberry and bilberry
  • the creation of dams, raising the water to its natural level and allowing the peatlands to thrive
  • scientists carrying out essential research and monitoring to better understand the changing state of our peatlands and inform the restoration work of the future
  • trained volunteers to help with specialist surveys, and support education activities with schools