A FIVE year pilot project to carry out restoration on areas on internationally important blanket bog on Dartmoor has been launched in Princetown.

The Dartmoor Mires Project will assess pilot areas totalling 120 hectares, with a view to restoring high-quality blanket bog, using innovative techniques.

This work on a crucial habitat will achieve benefits for upland wildlife, improve water provision and increase the potential of Dartmoor's blanket bog to store carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The project is a partnership led by Dartmoor National Park Authority and funded substantially by South West Water, with contributions from other project partners.

The project was launched by Poul Christensen, chairman of Natural England.