We’re working hard to restore, conserve and manage Holcombe Moor’s precious peat to reduce carbon in the atmosphere, improve habitats for wildlife and protect local communities from flooding. Find out about the work carried out so far and future plans.
Holcombe's moorland is a precious environment, but the impact of the Industrial Revolution, wildfires, overgrazing and erosion from wind and rain has caused significant damage. These pressures have resulted in a dry and exposed peat surface with limited vegetation cover, reducing valuable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including breeding birds.
Healthy peat bogs are wet and covered by specialist plants which are resilient to very acidic conditions. Eventually these plant communities decompose slowly to form new peat. This process is important not only because it traps large volumes of carbon but also because healthy upland bogs help slow the flow of water and prevent flooding further downstream.
Peatland bogs are also important habitats for special and protected species of plants and animals. Golden plover, curlew, dunlin, and the common lizard, are just a few examples.
October 2025
The month the National Trust team took to the stage to give insight on the peatland restoration project and the links between Holcombe Moor and Manchester, not just physically by the River Irwell and transport links, but also social and economic links too.
It was great to see members from Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Climate Action, Sow the City, Moss World (UOM) and Manchester Histories.
The important work to restore precious peatland on Holcombe Moor began in 2020. Funded by DEFRA’s Moor Carbon fund, the National Trust worked closely with Natural England, Moors for the Future, the Holcombe Moor Commoners’ Association and Environment Agency. More recently our academic partner, The University of Manchester has joined the team to establish a long-term monitoring programme to assess progress.
Works planned from winter 2023 to spring 2025 are part funded by National Trust and Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme.
Everyone needs nature and outdoor space, now more than ever, and as a charity we rely heavily on your support and generosity. Your support plays a vital role in allowing us to protect Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate’s natural landscape and rich wildlife for everyone to enjoy.
Find out how the Countryside Team of rangers and volunteers work hard to restore and conserve Holcombe Moor. Learn more about the vital work carried out to increase biodiversity, improve habitats for wildlife, help capture carbon, reduce peat erosion and minimise the risk of flooding.
Whether you enjoy walking, running, bird watching, cycling or horse riding, enjoy spectacular views, woodland, riverside rambling and heritage.
Explore a number of interesting historic sites dotted about the moors, that offer up tales of bravery, determination and even murder.
The perfect place to explore vast moorland and hillside woods with your dog. Find further information and guidance on walking with your dog.
Escape the crowds with a walk on Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate.
Expanding over a variety of different habitats, Holcombe Moor provides homes to a range of species many of which are only found in these upland areas, and some of which are increasingly rare in the UK.
