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Moorland eco saviour

Faye Adams
14/ 7/2005

A CHARLESWORTH moorland could hold the key to the effects of climate change and pollution.

Scientists from the internationally recognised Centre for Ecology and Hydrology are hoping to erect an experiment on Peaknaze Moor.

The project, which could run for up to six years, will investigate how moorland recovers from the effects of air pollution caused by global warming.

If given the go-ahead the experiment will involve unpolluted water being fed to covered areas and the growth of vegetation monitored.

Project manager Dr Alwyn Sowerby, from the ecology centre based at the University of Wales, said: "We have chosen Glossop as the Peak District is historically one of the most polluted upland areas, mostly because of its proximity to large cities like Manchester and Sheffield.

"The experiment was originally set up in an acid grassland in mid-Wales, and we found a variety of effects after cleaning up the rainfall.

"Of particular concern was when we carried out climate change manipulations, we found this increased the loss of pollutants from the soil into the water that trickles through the soil and then flows into rivers.

"This could mean in the next few years, in terms of pollution recovery, the potential benefits of less pollution could be offset by the negative impacts of climate change."

The application by the ecology centre will go before the Peak District National Authority planning committee on Friday.

Planning officials have recommended approval.

The moor is considered of special scientific interest and is protected.

Dr Sowerby added: "Climate change and many pollution issues need a national solution.

"We're hoping that our project will help land managers focus on what they can do to save and improve these areas."