12.2 C
Manchester
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
CSRMorgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure volunteers restore peat bogs on fire-damaged moor

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure volunteers restore peat bogs on fire-damaged moor

A team of volunteers from Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure has taken part in an environmental volunteering day to help make local moorland less vulnerable to fire damage.

Working close to areas of Saddleworth Moor which were severely damaged by fire during the summer, a team of 15 volunteers drawn from the company’s Manchester and Leeds offices – overseen by the RSPB, which manages moorland in partnership with United Utilities – spent all day restoring the moorland, which is protected due to its scientific and ecological value.

After a one kilometre trek, the team carried out a vital conservation task, using heather bales to block up eroded gullies in the peat. By holding water back, the moorland will become wetter, making fire less likely, and less damaging and easier to control if it does happen. In addition, Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure also donated £500 worth of tools and equipment to the RSPB to assist them on this and other projects.

The fire in June and July – which was thought to have been started deliberately and fuelled by the summer heat wave– spread from Stalybridge across thousands of acres of moorland, and affected two square kilometres of the moorland. At its height, 100 soldiers were even deployed to try to extinguish the blaze.

It took more than three weeks to put out the fire and unfortunately, the damage to the moorland was considerable. The flames had in places burned deep into dried-out peat, releasing huge stores of carbon into the atmosphere, setting back work by the RSPB and United Utilities to restore degraded blanket bog on their land, but wetter areas were more resilient, and it highlights how important it is to make the moor wetter again.

In addition, the fires had a severe impact on wildlife such as ground nesting birds and voles, with many eggs and nests destroyed, causing a knock-on effect on the rest of the food chain.

Discussing the initiative, Jane King, sustainability manager, said: “We are all local to the area and were very upset by the terrible fires that occurred on the moors this summer.

“The dramatic landscape that fringes Greater Manchester is so beautiful, ecologically important and very much part of the character of the area, so we wanted to play a part in helping to restoring it back to health. It was certainly hard work, but very worthwhile, and we all thoroughly enjoyed our day volunteering with the RSPB.”

Dave O’Hara, RSPB Dove Stone site manager, added: “These fires unfortunately devastated moorland that is not just of local importance, but of significance nationally and even globally.

“The restoration work carried out which the team from Morgan Sindall so kindly assisted with will help make the site more resilient to any future wild fire by making the bog wetter. We are very grateful for their support, not only on the day, but also in donating valuable equipment to help us carry on our work on the moors.”

Latest

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

Appy Pie Unveils Snappy 2.5: A Faster, Smarter Website Builder Designed Around User Feedback

Appy Pie has introduced Snappy 2.5, the latest upgrade to its website builder, developed in direct response to long-standing user feedback. This release focuses...

FREESMO Leads the Way with Smarter Smoke-Free Choices Through Trusted Questionnaire

As the smoke-free sector continues to grow and diversify, FREESMO is highlighting the importance of its Smoke-Free Questionnaire – a tried and tested tool...

Growing green: Smart strategies for sustainable business growth

In today’s competitive landscape, growth isn’t just about scaling quickly, it’s about doing so responsibly. Customers, investors, and even employees are increasingly drawn to businesses...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Zen Internet strengthens business division with appointment of Jon Nowell

Rochdale based Zen Internet, the UK’s longest standing independent telecommunications and network connectivity provider, has appointed Jon Nowell as managing director of its Business...

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

£1 million health optimisation hub opens near Manchester Airport this month with exclusive treatments from £45

A new £1m high-tech clinic is set to open at Manchester Green on September 18, bringing treatments more often associated with London’s private wellness...

Appy Pie Unveils Snappy 2.5: A Faster, Smarter Website Builder Designed Around User Feedback

Appy Pie has introduced Snappy 2.5, the latest upgrade to its website builder, developed in direct response to long-standing user feedback. This release focuses...

More News

Manchester-based pharmaceutical company, Chiesi Ltd, digs deep for local community action day

Local pharmaceutical company, Chiesi Ltd, held a Volunteer Day for its employees on 30th August as part of its commitment to the community and the...

Deloitte North West chooses new charity partners to make an impact that matters

Deloitte is continuing the success of its 5 Million Futures responsible business programme, which aims to help five million people get to where they...

Social Republic Chosen To Support U.S Based Homeless Dogs Hotel

American charity, The Hotel for Homeless Dogs, has commissioned Manchester social media agency, Social Republic, as it pushes for growth to expand facilities by...