Page 14 Research for conservation theme

I wanted initially to research water conservation. I started by conducting a search on Google to locate a suitable local project to study. I found a number of conservation projects which were of interest which included improving the water quality in the Lake District and expanding the number of ponds in the UK. One in particular was of interest - the South Pennine Moorland Conservation project which involves restoring eroded peat bogs.

This is England's largest ever conversation project at a cost of over £5.5 million. It covers over 2000 acres of the most damaged peak district and South Pennine moors, one third of England's active blanket bog.

Peat bogs are a natural infrastructure which are important in:

1. Helping to reduce downstream flooding


2. Releasing water slowly - a water storage body - like a big wet sponge


3. Filtering rainwater


4. Improving the quality of drinking water


5. Reducing water treatment costs


6. Providing a buffer against climate change


7. Providing a unique habitat for rare and special wildlife and plants

This conservation project connects very well with water conservation and is local which has meant I have been able to collects lots of images as part of my research.

From the above picture of an eroding peat bog on Black Hill I have selected the colours of blue and orange.