Peatland Restoration Wins Big at Cornwall Sustainability Awards

Published On: 12 December 2024Last Updated: 12 December 2024By CornishStuff

SWPP Takes Home ‘Environmental Growth’ Trophy

Cornwall’s peatlands received a major boost as the South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) was recognised at the 2024 Cornwall Sustainability Awards for its significant environmental contributions. Winning the ‘Environmental Growth’ award, the SWPP was praised for its work in restoring degraded peatlands on Bodmin Moor and West Penwith.

The SWPP is a collaboration of organisations dedicated to tackling carbon emissions from damaged peatlands, improving water retention, and creating diverse wildlife habitats. With restoration efforts already transforming 1,630 hectares of peatland—equivalent to nearly 2,300 football pitches—the partnership’s impact is clear.

Photo Credit: SWPP

Collaboration at the Heart of Success

Conrad Barrowclough, Restoration Manager for SWPP, highlighted the importance of teamwork in Cornwall’s peatland recovery. “We’re absolutely overjoyed to have our peatland restoration work so highly recognised at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards, and are particularly pleased that the judges recognised the efforts we make to ensure the work is delivered in a holistic manner,” said Conrad.

He added, “Done right, peatland restoration work offers huge benefits to farmers, archaeology, and local employment; and by reflecting local priorities in the areas we work in we feel we get the best outcomes. There’s so much potential for further peatland restoration in Cornwall, from the rugged uplands of Bodmin Moor to the windswept valley mires of West Penwith, and we look forward to continuing restoration work over the next few years in this most inimitable of regions.”

Why Peatland Restoration Matters

Cornwall’s peatlands play a critical role in carbon storage, water management, and preserving archaeology while supporting rare wildlife. However, centuries of human activity have left many of these ecosystems severely degraded. Nationally, only 13% of peatlands remain in a near-natural state, with 87% damaged by burning, mining, and other destructive practices.

The South West region’s peatlands are especially vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change. Restoration work led by the SWPP addresses these challenges by blocking erosion gullies, slowing water flow, and fostering conditions for carbon-rich peat to regenerate.

Photo Credit: SWPP

Funding and Support Driving Change

Backed by funding from Natural England’s Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, as well as contributions from South West Water, Duchy of Cornwall, National Trust, Environment Agency, and Cornwall Council, the SWPP’s efforts are far-reaching. Support also comes from contractors, farmers, charities, and volunteers, making the restoration project a truly collaborative endeavour.

Carolyn Cadman, Director of Natural Resources at South West Water, expressed pride in the partnership’s achievements. “We’re proud to be collaborating with other like-minded organisations, landowners and farmers to restore our damaged peatlands. Since 2020, the partnership has started the restoration process on 1,630 hectares of peatland, the equivalent of almost 2,300 football pitches, which will benefit wildlife, the environment and water quality for years to come.”

Cornwall Sustainability Awards Recognise Environmental Growth

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards highlight innovative efforts in protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The Environmental Growth category, sponsored by Local Investment in Nature Cornwall (LINC), recognised SWPP’s holistic approach to peatland restoration.

Full List of Cornwall Sustainability Award Winners and Commendations

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards recognised achievements across several categories:

Trees for Nature and Growth – Farmers and Landowners

Winner: Philliegh Way Wood
Runner-up: Rosuick Farm

Trees for Nature and Growth – Communities and Groups

Winner: Plant One
Runner-up: WI Climate Ambassadors

Most Sustainable Organisation – Small

Winner: St Martin’s Vineyard (sponsored by Foot Anstey)

Most Sustainable Organisation – Medium

Winner: Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (sponsored by The Future is Green Project, Cornwall College Group)
Judges’ Commendation: St Austell Printing Company

Most Sustainable Organisation – Large

Winner: Watson-Marlow Ltd (sponsored by Truro & Penwith College)
Judges’ Commendation: Falmouth Town Council

Environmental Growth

Winner: South West Peatland Partnership (sponsored by Local Investment in Nature Cornwall (LINC))
Runner-up: Wildflower Collective
Highly Commended: Mylor Mooring Services Ltd

Carbon Positive

Winner: Volunteer Cornwall: Health & Climate Resilience Network (sponsored by University of Exeter)
Runner-up: Trewithen Dairy (sponsored by Carbon Sense)
Highly Commended: Bull & Wolf