This summer, our partnership organisation is offering an amazing work experience opportunity for 14-18 year olds. The young people will spend a week on Dartmoor and Bodmin, helping to restore precious peatlands.
Why are peatlands important?
Peatlands are an amazing carbon store, holding more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. However, if they are disturbed, they dry out and the carbon is released. In the UK, over 75% of peatland is damaged, causing it to release carbon.
Devon and Cornwall have a long history of peatlands, but many of these are now dried and eroded. South West Water is part of the South West Peatland partnership, which aims to restore the region’s peatlands. Techniques like dam building and using willow to slow the flow of water change the drainage of peatland sites, so they retain more water.
The long-term goal is to bring bogs back to a condition where they start to form peat once more.
What have peatlands got to do with the water system?
Restoring peatlands benefits the drinking water system. They protect water quality in rivers and reservoirs by preventing run-off from the land. This means ‘raw’ water brought into the drinking water system has fewer impurities, so it needs less intensive treatment.
South West Water is also committed to improving biodiversity in the South West. Peatlands offer a valuable habitat for many species of birds, insects and animals.
What will the young people be doing?
From 7-11 July 2025, 14-18 year olds will have an unforgettable five days of work experience with the peatland restoration team. They’ll learn how peatland restoration helps with natural flood management, wildlife diversity, and helps to protect landscapes from climate change impacts.
The week will be spent out and about with the South West Peatland Partnership on the moorlands of Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. Students will be able to explore remote landscapes and gain hands-on skills in conservation planning and processes.
Roles may include supporting with restoration planning, wildlife and plant monitoring, historic environment surveys, joining working volunteer parties and helping with communications and research.
These roles will all help the SWPP team to assess areas for upcoming work, give an understanding of the long and short-term benefits of restoration and support the work of the partnership’s 100-strong group of regular volunteers.
Applications for this opportunity have now closed – but we’ll keep you updated on how the young people find the experience.
About the South West Peatland Partnership
The South West Peatland Partnership is funded by Natural England’s Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, with additional funding from South West Water, Duchy of Cornwall, National Trust, Cornwall Council and the Environment Agency, and is a collective of partner organisations, volunteers, contractors, farmers, interest groups, commoners and researchers.