United Utilities Races Past 2030 Goal, Now Sets Sights on Even Greater Peatland Revival

United Utilities is breathing new life into the bogs that stretch across its land. Over the past five years, the company has already restored more than 3,000 hectares of peatland across the North West. To put that into perspective, it's the equivalent of over 4,200 football pitches being restored to their natural health.

These ecosystems, often referred to as blanket bogs, play a crucial role in the environment. They act as natural carbon sinks, drawing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, while also supporting natural drainage systems. Perhaps even more importantly, they serve as rich habitats, home to a diverse array of animal and plant species that thrive in these unique wetland conditions.

United Utilities had initially set a target to restore 3,000 hectares of peatland by 2030. That goal has already been achieved well ahead of schedule. Now, the company is taking it a step further. It has pledged to restore at least another 1,500 hectares within the next five years, continuing its long-term environmental stewardship of the North West.

Much of the UK’s peatland has been damaged over the years. Draining for agriculture, industrial development, and neglect have stripped these landscapes of their natural function. In response, United Utilities has been working with environmental organisations, such as Moors for the Future, since 2003. Their shared goal is to return degraded peatlands to a healthy, functioning state.

The environmental impact of damaged peatland is significant. When peat is drained or disturbed, it begins releasing the carbon it has stored over thousands of years. Across the UK, it’s estimated that 16 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent are released into the atmosphere each year from damaged peatland alone. Restoring these areas not only stops that loss but also reactivates their ability to capture and store carbon once again.

Rebecca Speed, Natural Capital Implementation Manager at United Utilities, explained: “Restoring peatland has numerous benefits. In addition to providing natural drainage benefits on our land, it acts as a natural filter, improving water quality and helping to slow the flow of water running off the hills.

“As if that wasn’t enough, it also captures carbon and stores it in the soil, which also helps improve air quality. Peat bogs are the unsung heroes of the natural world.”

To support this revival, a variety of restoration techniques are used. These include blocking old drainage ditches, replanting native vegetation, and applying mulch to retain moisture and support regrowth. Each method plays a role in helping these bogs return to their natural balance.

James Airton, Estates and Land Manager at United Utilities, explained that approximately one-third of the company’s land is comprised of blanket bog. Much of it is already in various stages of restoration. He noted that the process is ongoing and incremental, requiring sustained effort over time to regenerate the land fully.

“Peat has been degrading in moorland areas for hundreds of years; it is only in the last 25 years or so that projects have been taking place, here in the North West and other areas, to begin the process of repairing that damage and restoring these critical habitats.    

“We couldn’t deliver this without the help of our partners in the Great North Bog, including Moors for the Future, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, Lancashire Peat Partnership and Pennine PeatLIFE. We’re very grateful to them for their ongoing commitment. Most of the restoration work takes place over winter, and it can be tough going working up on an exposed hillside in the wind and rain, but it is worth it when you see the peat bogs thriving and wildlife returning.”