A MAJOR conservation project is underway to restore vital peatland.
The National Trust and Admiral have launched a three-year partnership focused on natural flood prevention, with £600,000 invested in flood prevention work in three upland areas of England and Wales.
The first scheme is currently underway in Eryri, where efforts are focused on restoring sections of the Migneint blanket bog.
Iago Thomas, peatland officer at National Trust Cymru, said: "Blanket bogs are unsung climate heroes.
"They lock away carbon, regulate water flow, and support rare wildlife.
"But in this upland environment where there is no protection from more frequent and extreme rainfall or strong winds the peat is at huge risk of erosion.
"When peat dries out and erodes, it releases carbon into the atmosphere and worsens flooding downstream.
"The Migneint feeds tributaries that flow into the Afon Conwy, which can flood communities downstream in the Conwy Valley during heavy rain.
"By rewetting the bog, we will literally see the trickle-down impact of it all, with the land absorbing more water like a sponge, slowing water flow, reducing carbon emissions, and creating thriving habitats.
"The restored habitat will benefit species like curlew, a wading bird in steep decline, which requires softer ground for their young to make it easier for them to feed, as well as invertebrates like dragon flies which need areas of open water.
"Restoring peat really is a nature-based solution with real-world impact."
The Eryri project will restore around 12 hectares of eroded peatland at Waen Fraith over three years.
This work will support wildlife, improve climate resilience, and help reduce flooding.
Contractors are currently reshaping the land by reprofiling peat hags, building peat dams, and creating ponds to raise water levels.
These interventions are designed to encourage the return of sphagnum moss, which helps kickstart the peat-forming process and retain water.
Volunteers, including young people from Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn, will transplant thousands of sphagnum moss plug plants to help revegetate the site.
Michelle Leavesley, chief sustainability officer at Admiral Group, said: "We’re investing in natural flood management solutions to strengthen flood resilience for people and nature.
"For us at Admiral, protecting people’s homes means taking action beyond insurance by building understanding and resilience to the impact of changing climate and extreme weather events.
"This partnership is a perfect example of how we live our purpose, helping more people look after their future, while making a real difference for communities and the environment."
The project builds on previous peatland restoration work in the Migneint area through the Uwch Conwy project.
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