VOLUNTEERS are needed to help breathe new life into a Peak District beauty spot.

Kinder Scout plateau is home to some of Britain's most valuable peat deposits but environmental pressure has damaged its fragile ecosystem.

Healthy peat is able to absorb excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but Kinder's is so degraded it is actively releasing the gas back into the air.

Experts blame the problem on a combination of acid rainfall, wildfires and heavy grazing, which all make it hard for sensitive peat plants to survive.

Without the stabilising effect of plant root systems, peat becomes exposed and dries out - washing away easily in the rain.

Crisis

The National Trust is now calling on local people to help tackle the crisis.

A successful public event which saw more than 130,000 cotton grass plants put on the plateau, in the Dark Peak area, will be repeated next weekend.

And those who cannot attend but want to show their support can donate money to the appeal.

Kinder was the site of a mass trespass in 1932, when Benny Rothman, from Cheetham, led 400 walkers to the summit leading to laws protecting the public's right to roam.

High Peak estate spokesman Mike Innerdale said: "Kinder Scout is an iconic part of our countryside and unless something is done to stop the rapid erosion it is suffering, this magnificent landscape could be devastated within a matter of years."

The mass planting takes place from 11am-3.30pm this Saturday and Sunday. For further information contact 01433 670368.