Supporters boost moorland fundraiser target

Generous supporters have helped the Peak District National Park Foundation to smash its Restore Our Moors fundraising target as part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge.

The challenge was to raise £4,000 in match-funded donations between December 1 and 8 and the final figure reached £4,872, thanks to donors across the country.

The money will fund vital moorland restorations work in the park, including the planting of hundreds of Sphagnum moss plugs, a major weapon in the fight against climate change as it absorbs and locks up carbon from the atmosphere. 

Restoration work will be carried out by the Moors for the Future Partnership.

Its head of programme delivery, Chris Dean, said: “We are delighted by the generous donations to support moorland conservation across the Peak District and South Pennines. 

“It is truly fantastic to see the invaluable nature of our local peatlands recognised and appreciated. 

“We are incredibly grateful for these donations which help us to ensure that this important work continues and to know that it is being recognised by people visiting these pivotal landscapes.”

Foundation chair Jen Lowthrop added: “We’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has supported the campaign - from those who made a donation, to the businesses who pledged funding, to the partner organisations who shared our appeal and to our volunteers who promoted it. 

“We are delighted and overwhelmed at the support this campaign received, and we wish you all a Happy Christ-Moss!”

To find out more about the Peak District National Park Foundation and to make a donation to care for the National Park, visit www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk