A network of 11 nature-abundant lowland peat sites, between Liverpool and Manchester, are to become a King’s Series National Nature Reserve. These sites, from lowland raised bogs and fen, through to lowland heath, wet woodland and drier woodland habitats, will be restored to provide homes for rare species, such as lapwings, curlew, sundew and adders.

This area is becoming a leading example of nature recovery, through the restoration of some of our most important and precious habitats.

The peatlands in this area were created over a period of 10,000 years, since the last Ice Age, and now heavily degraded. Peatlands are a hugely important part of England’s natural environment. They act as the country’s lungs, storing more carbon than any other type of landscape, as well as holding huge amounts of water and preventing flooding around them. However, more than 80% of England’s peatlands are damaged, dried out or degraded with the majority of England’s lowland peat being intensively farmed.

These internationally important lowland peat habitats, which are over an area the size of 750 professional rugby pitches or 25 Trafford Centres, are being restored. This will help mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the security and prosperity of communities in Warrington and Greater Manchester.