WORK being carried out on moorland sites around the Keighley district could play a key role in tackling climate change, say council bosses.

The local authority’s management of peat bogs has the potential to contribute to combating problems through carbon storage, flood management and a reduction in fire risks.

Countryside service officers look after moorland at Harden and Penistone Hill, above Haworth, as well as Ilkley and Baildon moors.

All the sites contain active blanket bog – an area of terrain which is permanently wet due to high levels of rainfall.

The conditions help peat bogs to form, which in turn absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it more effectively than trees.

In order to maximise positive effects on the environment, the countryside service is working to maintain and retain the blanket bogs.

“They are achieving this through ‘re-wetting’ the moors – by blocking ditches and drains,” said a council spokesman.

“This keeps water on open moorland for longer, slowing the flow into the valleys. Also, sphagnum moss is planted, which holds water and forms peat.

“As well as storing carbon, this work helps to reduce flooding in the valleys below the moors and helps make the moorland more resistant to wildfire.

“In addition, we have worked with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to promote the message about the effects of wildfire.”

In its recent budget proposals, the council committed £200,000 towards the moorland work – from 2021 onwards.

Some of the funding could also be used to carry out surveys of the peat to measure how much carbon it stores.

The countryside service is currently working on two natural flood management projects – funded by the Environment Agency – aimed at re-wetting and encouraging peat, on Harden Moor and at Backstone Beck above Ilkley.

The Harden scheme – due for completion by April – has seen the water flow diverted, the planting of 27,000 sphagnum moss plants and a small number of trees, and the installation of ‘leaky dams’ in Deep Cliff Woods. The Backstone Beck project, to be carried out later this year, will also feature planting and work to slow the water flow.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “The council is committed to tackling climate change. Management of our moorlands and peat bogs can play a vital role, as well as bringing multiple other benefits. We will also continue to work with partners and community groups to find ways to reduce carbon emissions and make the district cleaner and greener.”