Chatting all things peat with Ten Tors Teams
If you grew up in the UK's South West, it's likely that you spent your teenage years traipsing about the hills and valleys of Dartmoor as part of the Ten Tors Challenge. Open to 400 teams, each consisting of 6 young people, teams spend 2 days on the moor in early-mid May attempting routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles or the one day Jubilee Challenge.
Jonny, Holly and Eve on the SWPP stand at the Ten Tors event
Before the hike begins, the teams, along with teachers, parents and military personnel gather for a pre-Ten Tors briefing day at Okehampton Army Camp. This annual event gave the South West Peatland Partnership team a brilliant opportunity to host a stall in the Engagement Village to meet the participants, answer any questions about peatland and access, and chat through why we’re doing what we’re doing for the benefit of people, wildlife, water, archaeology and the climate.
A bog in the box, pin the beak on the snipe, maps of restoration site locations across Dartmoor, and large images of peatland erosion features were great conversation starters. The SWPP team spoke with teams about different methods of restoration, how the design of peat bunds allows access through sites for walkers, livestock, and farmers, and which wildlife and plant species they can expect to see out and about as they pass restoration pools.
We also had several young people come over and ask about careers, how we got into our roles and general advice about securing environmental jobs locally. It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm in local young people considering their options to make their way into the world of peatland and landscape regeneration.
Well done to all the teams involved and thank you to the MoD for hosting us.
A bog in the box, illustrative maps and ‘pin the beak on the snipe’ on the SWPP stand
A box of sphagnum demonstrating how the plant slows down water and improves water quality, and is a vital part of healthy, hydrologically functioning, peatlands.