The 'Bury the Giant' event was led by Dartmoor National Park’s Headwaters project, Our Upland Commons and the Art and Energy Collective with the support and input of landowner John Howell.
The day of creative restoration, held on May 14, attracted around 30 people. They got involved in planting sphagnum moss nests in a newly restored mire, making a ‘moss’ carpet using reused wool sewn onto a felted wool carpet sourced from local Dartmoor sheep, or simply sitting quietly to draw or paint the Dartmoor landscape, reflecting on what was learnt.
Peatlands are our most important terrestrial carbon store; they slow the flow of potential flooding waters, they are places of amazing biodiversity and rich ecology – but and more than 80% are at risk in UK.
Together, everyone shared the reasons why there is a need to regenerate peat forming habitats and how to do it, by holding back water and keeping energy underground.
The event also celebrated the work of land managers, the role of common land, Dartmoor’s cultural heritage and the special sphagnum mosses that protect and form peat, absorbing tons of carbon and holding thousands of litres of water every year.
The vital role that peatlands play at a time of climate change is recognised and Dartmoor, as a carbon rich landscape, is an area where a collaborative community led approach may add momentum to change how peatlands are viewed, used and managed.
Angelique McBride, Dartmoor Headwaters Officer, said: “This provided a fantastic opportunity to share the work we are doing to restore and protect these incredibly valuable habitats for current and future generations. It was so uplifting to show the work we are doing and freely share our knowledge with people in a way that was fun and celebratory."
Tamsin Thomas, Dartmoor Project Officer for Our Upland Commons, added: “Commons can look untouched and free from intervention. So it was great that so many people came and learned how it’s been shaped by the action of commoners over centuries. It’s led to land that is vital for nature, archaeology, climate, wetlands, trees and access, alongside livestock production. And, as its open access land, we all have the right to enjoy it, on foot.”
"We love being asked to work in a creative and positive way to encourage people to think about how they could make a brighter, greener future," said Naomi Wright, Art and Energy CIC Director. "Our project, How to Bury the Giant, recognises the amazing role of tiny mosses in alleviating climate change; like mosses, we could all individually do something small, but together we make a big difference.”
Landowner John Howell added: “With Dartmoor coming under increasing pressure from the many users of this sensitive landscape, it is great to see people taking an interest in our work to keep it in as good an environmental condition as possible. We welcome careful users but we need support if the moor is to store carbon to help reduce the drivers of climate change, and to hold the water and biodiversity that society needs to survive. Art and Energy helps people to understand some of the science through creative participation.”
Continuing to engage in creative action and celebration, the partners involved are encouraging people to look closely at the land and water management, notice the role of tiny mosses and make a difference to places that are currently being restored. It is hoped more events like this will be held in the future.
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The 'Bury the Giant' event was led by Dartmoor National Park’s Headwaters project (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/w
