This autumn, the RSPB in Dorset has begun work to restore and protect two areas of precious peatland.

RSPB sites at Stoborough Heath and Salterns Copse, near Wareham, are being re-wetted, having dried out over the years, to recreate the perfect conditions for peat to once again flourish.

Dorset's peatlands offer homes for a range of wildlife and plant life, including rare species, such as the Southern Damselfly.

The land has been historically drained to improve it for agriculture, forestry, and development, but this has caused it to dry out, destroying its once rich peatland.

RPSB restoration work in Dorset RPSB restoration work in Dorset (Image: Edward Roe) Healthy wet peat is the UK’s biggest carbon store as plants do not decompose in the waterlogged conditions, preventing them from releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

This process helps counteract carbon emissions, the main driver behind the climate emergency.

Edward Roe, RSPB Dorset warden said: “'The work taking place to restore peatland at RSPB Stoborough Heath is really exciting.

"Restoring precious landscapes like these will have long term positive impacts for nature and the climate emergency, by helping peat to lock in carbon and protect the precious species that live in our Dorset wetlands.”

Sadly, over 80 per cent of the UK’s peatlands are damaged and dried out.

As a local response to this, the Dorset Catchment Partnership, initiated the formation of the Dorset Peat Partnership in 2021.

This brought together seven landowners, including the RSPB, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, The National Trust, Forestry England, BCP Council, and one private landowner.

The group secured £1 million of funding from the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme to restore 16 peatland sites across the county between 2023-2025.

Grace Herve, Dorset Peat Partnership project manager, said: “The key aims of the works are to restore the hydrological connectivity of our valley mire and bogs system."

The peatland restoration will be achieved by creating leaky dams using timber from trees felled on site, as well as other local timber.

Some scrub will also be cleared during the project and Purple Moor Grass cutting will take place.

Works will hopefully be finished by the end of October.