UK Nature and Environment

Scientists from The University of Manchester, The University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University have found that the restoration of upland peatlands is a highly effective strategy for reducing downstream flooding.

New modelling approaches combined with long-term data collection on the peatlands of Kinder Scout where restoration work has taken place have allowed the experts to demonstrate that meaningful flood protection can be delivered during large storms, and has the potential to offer significant protection to communities at risk of flooding in locations where traditional hard engineering may not be economically viable.

The model was built using data from a field experiment conducted with Moors for the Future Partnership looking at the impact of restoration on runoff on Kinder Scout in the south Pennines. In 2022, the Kinder Scout National Nature reserve managed by National Trust was extended – partly in recognition of the importance of the scientific research that was taking place there. The new findings further emphasise the value of controlled long-term landscape experiments in understanding the impact of peatland restoration work.