“Get Stuck In!”: BMC volunteers will be planting sphagnum moss on the rough moorland of Burbage Moor in the Peak District.

BMC Conservation Event: Moss Planting, Eastern Moors, Peak: 25th November 2026

This is a BMC “Get Stuck In!” volunteering meet in association with The Eastern Moors Partnership (Nat. Trust & RSPB) and the Moors for the Future Partnership. BMC volunteers will be planting sphagnum moss on the rough moorland of Burbage Moor in the Peak District.

Why it’s worthwhile:

Much work has been done in recent years to restore to health the peat bog covered moors of the Dark Peak. Peatlands are the UK’s single biggest store of carbon, storing the equivalent of 20 years of all UK CO2 emissions, keeping it out of the atmosphere (and sequestering more when in good health) so are vital to our attempts to fight climate change.

Sphagnum moss is a key building block of peat and healthy blanket bog keeps the underlying peat banks safe. Sphagnum itself traps carbon and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. Restoring these bogs to health is a key contributor to fighting climate change.

When:

Join us in this climate project work on:

Wednesday 25th November 2026

Arrive by 9:30am to be ready to leave by 10am and expect to finish around or shortly after 3pm.

Meeting place and start time

Small roadside layby on the Ringinglow to Hathersage road.

OS Grid Reference SK 2736 8333

Google map location https://maps.app.goo.gl/GAk5Rrfzgm5zYdPK9 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GAk5Rrfzgm5zYdPK9)

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(Nearest post code is S10 4QR however this covers a large area so best not to use to reach location!)

PLEASE CAR SHARE IF POSSIBLE AS LIMITED ROOM FOR CARS (if this location is full then there is a further layby around 500m east of this location from which a 10 minute road walk west brings you to the main meeting place.)

What will the work involve?

We will walk a short distance across the rough, boggy, mostly trackless Burbage Moor to the work area, then spend around 4 to 5 hours, working as part of a small team, moving across this moor putting sphagnum moss plants into the ground.

What to bring

You will need sturdy (water resistant) walking boots with grippy soles (gaiters recommended), full waterproofs, warm inner layers and a warm hat, i.e. all your usual kit for a full day out on the hill in winter. Comfortable wellington boots are another option if you can walk a distance in them.

The moors can be inhospitable, so plenty of spare warm layers are advised. A small personal first aid kit for your own use is worthwhile (and don’t forget any medication you usually carry.)

Uneven ground in this area, mainly from the Molinia grass tussocks, old heather and gully systems in the peat are a significant hazard hiding small holes etc. The tussocks and shrubs are a trip hazard that could cause sprained ankles or worse (though suitable footwear helps mitigate this).

The event is planned to finish well within the hours of available daylight, however bringing a small torch/head torch would help if an emergency severely delayed us.

If possible bring a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves (although if you forget the rangers will have spares). You may also appreciated bringing a spare pair of warm gloves, to pop on between work periods. All other tools and equipment (plus instruction in their use) will be supplied by the rangers.

Catering and toilets

No catering is provided so please be sure to bring along sufficient food and drink (including a flask with a hot drink is recommended) for a full, energetic day working out on the hill. There are no public toilets either, just whatever natural cover you can find.

Who can come

This event is open to BMC members and accompanying friends, aged 18 or over.

All participants must book a place in advance.

No dogs.

How do I join in?

You must first register via Eventbrite

with full name, email address, mobile phone number. Numbers are limited.

Queries can be directed to the BMC volunteer organiser Steve Charles at stevecharles25@gmail.com

Cancellation Procedure

It is crucial that there are sufficient numbers on the day to make this, likely very popular, event worthwhile for the National Trust. Therefore it is important that anyone unable to come cancels their place and lets Steve Charles know, to free up their space, straight away.

Description supplied by the event organiser.