Record-breaking private investment to help transform peatland landscapes
Severn Trent, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water have invested significant sums in Moors for the Future Partnership’s work in recognition of the multiple benefits it can bring for the companies and their customers.
This comes alongside additional investment from other partners such as National Highways, National Trust and RSPB. Locations for the work include moorlands near to Sheffield, Buxton, Glossop and Halifax.
The combined investment of up to £25 million provides a welcome uplift to the rural economy through employment of contractors and services. The prospect of long-term financing brings a possibility of rural business growth and positive economic prospects for landowners and farmers.
PROJECT START DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
PROJECT END DATE: MARCH 2030
This £25 million green finance investment is part of an even wider programme which will ensure a boost for crucial ecosystem services provided by peatlands, such as water storage, increased water quality and biodiversity. This investment is significant in that it is not grant- or government-funded, rather it is linked to the water companies’ upcoming Asset Management Plan (AMP), known in the water industry as AMP8. This five-year period, set by Ofwat, mandates performance targets and investment in capital assets, including natural assets such as peatlands. As part of their responsibilities, Severn Trent, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water have invested significant sums in Moors for the Future Partnership’s work in recognition of the multiple benefits it can bring for the companies and their customers.
Moor Resilience 2030 – Severn Trent
Continuing the work of the Moor Water project, conducting revegetation, gully blocking, sphagnum planting to improve water quality, biodiversity and natural flood management in the Upper Derwent Valley.
Moor Resilience 2030 – United Utilities
Providing peatland restoration to enhance upland peat habitat and in turn improve water quality and natural capital benefits in terms of carbon and natural flood management. Adopting a long-term plan and land management best practice for grazing, visitor management and wildfire prevention
Moor Resilience 2030 – Yorkshire Water
Improving water quality and biodiversity through gully blocking, sphagnum planting and invasive species removal. There will also be monitoring work around Molinia Vulgaris (purple moor grass) and the best techniques to slpw down its dominance.