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
