Moors for the Future Partnership is part of the Peak District National Park Authority, whose vision is ‘The Peak District: where beauty, vitality and discovery meet at the heart of the nation”. And supports a diverse working and cherished landscape, a welcoming and inspiring place, thriving and vibrant communities and an enterprising and sustainable economy.
The Cut Gate bridleway runs through an area of internationally important and stunningly beautiful blanket bog habitat in the Peak District National Park. The bridleway is popular with walkers, mountain-bikers and horse riders who have championed a campaign to protect Cut Gate. The fragile peat layer has suffered from erosion and the widening of the route, which is putting pressure on the surrounding habitat of blanket bog vegetation.
The project will repair three sections of the popular upland bridleway which have become highly eroded and prone to flooding. The water logged surface results in users taking a wider route, further damaging the surrounding blanket bog habitat, vegetation and peat. The bridleway will be sensitively repaired using local stone encouraging users to follow the path preventing further damage to the surrounding habitat while preserving the character of the surrounding landscape and the enjoyment of the route.
The Update
Despite some delays caused by access and the coronavirus pandemic, this project surpassed its original objective by restoring 243 meters of bridleway over sensitive peat bog habitat. An area widely considered impassable by some users during wetter seasons is now fully accessible – enabling Cut Gate to be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts whilst also protecting the surrounding habitat from further erosion and degradation.
The organisation’s ‘Bogtastic Experience’ communications and awareness initiative moved online this year through a series of webinars, for more information see here:
MoorLIFE 2020 Communications | Moors for the Future.
Their Bogtastic van is returning in 2021 and will be furthering their mission of communicating the importance of blanket bogs, and inspiring people to value them.
