A group of forward-thinking organisations, including South West Water, has won gold in the 2024 Global Good Awards for its work to restore peatlands across the region.
The South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) works collaboratively across Exmoor, Dartmoor and Cornwall to restore, celebrate and positively shape the future of peatland – a vital ecosystem.
The peatlands in the South West provide many benefits, they protect water quality in rivers and reservoirs by preventing run-off from the land. They also store carbon and provide habitats for wildlife, aiding biodiversity.
In the past year alone SWPP has carried out over 10,000 interventions, all helping to slow down the flow of water that rushes off dried and degrading areas of peat, creating wet, boggy environments for bird species to thrive and helping to protect raw water quality.
Carolyn Cadman, Director of Natural Resources at South West Water, said:
“We’re delighted that the SWPP has received this prestigious award and for our work to be recognised on a global stage. SWPP has done fantastic work to protect and restore peatlands right across the South West, helping to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment, wildlife and water quality.”
Held at a ceremony at the BMA House in London, the awards recognise organisations and leaders who are achieving practical, real-world impact for people and the planet that is both scalable and replicable, and who have inspiring stories to tell.
SWPP won in the ‘Wild World: Recover, Regenerate, Rewild’ category which celebrates positive action environmentally in in a range of areas.
A spokesperson for Natural England said:
“We are excited to congratulate the South West Peatland Partnership on their remarkable achievement. Restoring peatlands is crucial, as those in poor condition release carbon instead of storing it, making this work essential for building resilience to climate change.
“As proud supporters and funders of the Partnership, we celebrate this award as a testament to their innovative efforts in restoring and protecting our vital peatlands and exemplifying environmental stewardship.”
