Plans to restore peatland approved

The project aims to restore the hydrology of the area at Solway And Duddon Mosses in Cumbria

Plans to restore damaged peatland have been given the go-ahead despite local opposition.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust can now start work at Solway And Duddon Mosses, near Kirkbride, after Cumberland Council's decision on Wednesday.

The planning committee heard the project aimed to restore the hydrology of the area.

The plans were approved despite Bowness-on-Solway Parish Council objecting due to concerns about a lack of information provided on the area's flood risk and habitat loss.

The council said other mosses had seen a decline in wildlife.

Its objection stated: "Councillors are afraid that Rogerscough will end up the same way, that is, a degraded wasteland devoid of its existing trees and wildlife."

Work by Cumbria Wildlife Trust would include installing equipment to retain water at the site, blocking drainage ditches and clearing scrub that dries the peat, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

David Harpley, from the trust, told councillors the area of Bowness Common and Rogerscough Drumlin was the best lowland peatlands in England.

According to the application, shrubs would be removed from the area

Ian Hutchinson, from the parish council, said he was concerned that there had been issues with previous schemes depleting plants.

He added: “We are taking away a diverse range of species - what else are we taking away.”

But planning officer Alison Williams said the proposal would "overall improve the bog habitat".

When the application was put to the vote, members agreed with the officer’s recommendation to approve it subject to a number of conditions.

According to the planning application, the site on Bowness Common is currently in poor condition due to historic land management practices.

The site is owned by Natural England and the RSPB and is managed to maximise the benefits to nature, the documents said.