Sphagnum Moss Planting on Kinder Scout | 19th November

Why it’s worthwhile:

In association with The National Trust, BMC volunteers will be transplanting sphagnum moss on Kinder Scout in the Peak District. Sphagnum moss is a key building block of peat and healthy blanket bog keeps the underlying peat banks safe. We will be transplanting moss from areas of high moss density to adjacent areas of lower density to encourage spread.

Sphagnum traps carbon dioxide and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. Therefore protection and restoration of blanket bog is an important part of the fight against climate change.

When:

Join us in this climate project on:

Thursday 19th November 2026

Meeting point and start time

There is limited parking close to the work site, so we will plan to meet up at the Sett Valley car park in Hayfield (SK035869; Google maps) at 9.30am. Parking costs £7 for all day (cash, card, contactless). We will then drive up to the work site in a smaller number of vehicles. Don’t pay for the parking until we know which cars are being used to drive up to worksite. We aim to be finished by 3.00pm.

What will the work involve?

We will walk a short distance, to be confirmed, to the work area. Spending around 4 to 5 hours, working as part of a small team, we will transplant sphagnum moss plants. Suitable areas are currently being identified. If this is not possible rhododendron clearance in a nearby area will be performed.

What to bring

Participants will be expected to wear or carry weather resistant clothing (including gloves and headwear) suitable for the conditions prevailing on the day which may be cold, wet and windy (meaning warm clothing and waterproofs). Footwear should be warm solid boots with grippy soles. Don’t wear your best gear and Goretex as you may get a bit muddy! Carry sufficient food and fluid for a full-day hill walk (a thermos with hot drink is good in colder months, water bottle in the summer!). There will not be any opportunities to buy refreshments during the day so bring everything you want with you. The group leader will have an emergency survival shelter and first aid kit.

For this work please bring gardening gloves (in cold weather old winter gloves ideal). NT Rangers will provide all other tools.

Who can come

This event is open to BMC members and accompanying friends, over 18.

All participants must book a place in advance. No dogs.

How do I join in?

You must register via Eventbrite with full name, email address, mobile phone number. Queries can be directed to the organiser Steve Charles on stevecharles25@gmail.com ASAP. Numbers are limited.

Links about about Rhododendron ponticum as invasive species

Short article, gives costs of rhododendron eradication

Very good article giving details of the toxic nature of the plant.

Another good short summary