Peak Moor 'One Of World's Most Polluted'

According to new research funded by the Moors For The Future project, Bleaklow above Glossop, is one of the world's most polluted moorlands.

Researchers from Manchester University are helping to understand the moorland conditions and underpin the project to regenerate damaged Peak District moors over the next five years, a process that's already begun with the reseeding of fire-damaged areas from the air.

The Bleaklow pollution is concentrated in the upper peat layer and is due to contamination by heavy industry in nearby Manchester and Sheffield in the 19th Century. Heavy metals and other pollutants were transported by wind, rain and mist onto the moors.

The result is that some streams have been found to be polluted as erosion in the area releases heavy metals with eroded peat particles into the streams of the region. Recorded nitrogen levels in some of the streams are up to three times greater than those found in selected Scottish and Welsh water courses. On a more positive note, other streams were found to be less polluted than expected. Probably not an area where you'd be advised to drink stream water then, even high up.

Moors For The Future aims to improve the situation by reversing erosion and regenerating vegetation which will enable long term improvement in the peat and water courses of the area, which is home to rare plants and wildlife. Blanket bog like that on Bleaklow is one of the world's rarest habitats.

More information about Moors For The Future at www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk