A Calderdale Council employee has been recognised for their commitment to climate action, as a finalist in the Environment 100 awards.
Gill Wrigley, the Council’s lead officer for the Calderdale Sphagnum Project, has been included on the Environment 100 list(external link), which celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Gill’s nomination recognises her work as a ‘peatland pioneer’, leading the innovative work with sphagnum moss to help restore Calderdale’s moorland areas.
This important moss plays a vital role in regenerating peatlands, which are the UK’s largest carbon stores. By storing up to 20 times its own weight in water, sphagnum moss also helps mitigate flooding, offering essential protection to downstream communities.
Working with volunteers, Gill has helped to develop a successful method of growing the moss in a nursery environment, as part of the National Lottery-funded Growing Resilience Project
Around 1500 plug plants have already been planted on moorlands, with further grant funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority supporting this and other landscaping work needed for the sphagnum to become established. Further planting is due to take place throughout this winter.
Gill brings her horticultural knowledge to the project and has identified suitable planting sites. She supports the volunteers to work in the nursery and to take part in planting.
Findings from the project are being shared with organisations across the country, with Gill encouraging others to learn from the work to support wider climate action.
This engagement work has also involved working with local schools and colleges as part of an educational outreach programme. Gill has worked with over 400 young people to highlight the importance of nature conservation and peatland restoration, inspiring a new generation.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Protecting our precious peatlands is a crucial part of the Calderdale Climate Action Plan. Through the Sphagnum Moss Project, we’re supporting ways to restore these important habitats, which bring big benefits including storing massive amounts of carbon whilst reducing the risk of flooding and moorland fires.
“Our Sphagnum Project Officer, Gill Wrigley is a passionate advocate for climate action, and I’m absolutely thrilled that her commitment has been nationally recognised, with a place on the Environment 100 list.
“I’ve seen first-hand how her knowledge and enthusiasm has been a vital part of the success of this project, supporting our valued volunteers in efforts to grow this amazing plant.
“Gill and the rest of the talented team continue to promote the project and share learning with other national organisations to support efforts to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.”
Gill Wrigley, said:
“It’s an honour to be named as an Environment 100 finalist. I love my job and I have an amazing team of colleagues and volunteers who support me. I hope that this recognition will bring greater awareness locally and nationally of the importance of peatland restoration in addressing the causes and effects of climate change and inspires more organisations to ‘grow moss for peat’s sake.”
The individuals and organisations included on the Environment 100 list will be recognised at a special ceremony as part of the Environmental Services and Solutions Expo taking place in Birmingham in September 2024.
The achievements of the Sphagnum Moss Project have also been recognised with an additional award nomination for the APSE Service Awards, for in the category of Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation Initiative. The winners of the APSE Service Awards will be announced on Thursday 12 September 2024.
The Calderdale Climate Action Plan has been developed in partnership with people and organisations across Calderdale and focuses on the steps needed between 2023 and 2026 to achieve Calderdale’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.To find out more, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/climate-action-plan
To keep up to date with climate action across Calderdale, sign up for email updates at: Climate Emergency newsletter(external link)