Our BMC local area volunteers often run invasive species clearing days and sphagnum moss planting days all as part of our wider campaign The Climate Project.
Why is volunteering to remove invasive species important for the environment?
Winter Hill is the large peatland moor north of Bolton. Ravaged by a moorland fire in 2018, the burnt peat is now being colonised by Molinia grass and Rhododendrons. Although attractive to look at, rhododendrons are an invasive species, which outcompete all native plants, so nothing grows underneath, reducing biodiversity. With heavy rain the bare peat underneath washes away, adding to erosion, reducing quality of drinking water and increasing flood risk. We want to keep the peat on the hill where it stores huge amounts of carbon.
Why is volunteering to plant sphagnum moss important for the environment?
Sphagnum moss is a key building block of peat and healthy blanket bog keeps the underlying peat banks safe. 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. Our BMC volunteer days run in partnership with Moors for the Future.
Check below to see the latest dates to join.
Mend Our Mountains is the BMC’s call to action for every single outdoor-goer, and its message is simple: show some love back to those paths and trails that make it possible.
Through a diverse and holistic set of projects that cover the whole of the United Kingdom, from majestic wilderness in Scotland to outdoor education in the Cotswolds, our mission is to rethink the way the British public cares for rights of way and the delicate, beautiful landscapes they dissect. Take a look at the upcoming days we have available this year for you to volunteer on MOM projects and get stuck in!
Add these 2024 Mend Our Mountains "Get Stuck In" Volunteer days to your calendars. We'll have sign ups opening in early 2024. Check back soon! More details below: