Save Merseyside care farm and peat bogs

The environment

Building for the Future: Bog Planting and Ecological Restoration Although we received Spacehive funding later than anticipated—in January 2025—and experienced delays in securing plastic fitting until July (had to go in a queue with the subcontractors), we used this time strategically to strengthen our foundations. While the timing meant we missed the 2025 bog plant seed harvesting window, we now have robust infrastructure in place and are fully prepared for an ambitious and ecologically rich 2026 season. Expanding Expertise and Partnerships Our team has undergone extensive training in bog planting techniques, working alongside leading conservation partners to deepen our knowledge and refine our approach. For example: • 🌿 In collaboration with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, we learned the optimal germination window for common and hare’s-tail cotton grass collected from Holliday Moss in September. • 🌼 Insights from Cumbria Wildflowers revealed that this window can be extended into August, allowing for greater flexibility in future harvesting. We also partnered with Andy Osborne, a PhD researcher specialising in peatland ecology, and staff from Forestry England at Delamere, to wild-collect Sphagnum palustre and Sphagnum fallax. These species were successfully trial-propagated at an alternative site and are particularly suited to Merseyside’s peat bogs due to their resilience to nitrogen deposition and atmospheric pollution. Notably, there are no non-protected wild harvest sources for these species in Merseyside, making this work especially valuable. Additionally, we discovered that Sphagnum cuspidatum is best transferred directly from donor site ditches to recipient sites—bypassing polytunnel propagation altogether. Enhancing Biodiversity on the Farm Beyond bog plants, we’ve continued to enrich our 2,000m² farm space, focusing on wildflower seed harvesting and redistribution. We’re especially proud of the successful spread of yellow rattle into our orchard and grassland areas, which has significantly boosted biodiversity. 2025 has been a remarkable year for pollinators—moths, butterflies, bees, and hoverflies have flourished, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. This has had a positive ripple effect on larger fauna, and we’re delighted to regularly spot our resident kestrel, buzzard, barn owl, and heron. Thanks to the LCR Community Environment Fund, we’ve been able to sustain volunteering opportunities, which are the backbone of our seed sowing efforts. While the materials are freely sourced, it’s the dedication of our volunteers that truly brings this work to life.

The local economy

Currently, there is a significant shortage of bog plants needed to restore Merseyside’s rare peatland nature reserves. By establishing a new satellite bog plant nursery that should be fully operational in 2026, we are directly addressing this gap while securing the financial sustainability of our care farm. This nursery will: • Create a local supply chain for ecologically critical plant species. • Generate income through plant sales, reducing reliance on external funding. • Provide ongoing volunteering and training opportunities, supporting skills development and social inclusion.

Volunteering, jobs & education

Our project has delivered exceptional outcomes, significantly exceeding expectations in both community engagement and ecological development. Most notably, we surpassed our projected volunteer hours by over 200%, driven largely by the intensive work required to renew the timber frame of our large polytunnel. This extraordinary commitment reflects the strength of our community and the value placed on our shared mission. However, all hands to the pump on the polytunnel meant our outreach work had to be put somewhat on hold. We therefore tried to be more hyper-local and liaise with Crank and Kings Moss Village Association of which our landlords are also very active. Mos of the people within this group are older and we engaged as part of the village scarecrow competition. Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in St Helens with those attending the farm either as a volunteer or a participant of an event • Reduced Loneliness: A welcoming environment that fosters community, connection, and belonging. • Skill Development: Peer-led learning opportunities that build confidence and practical knowledge. • Improved Wellbeing: Meaningful friendships and purposeful activity contribute to mental and emotional health. • Enhanced Physical Health: Increased mobility, better dietary awareness, and access to free fresh vegetables support healthier lifestyles. • Community Contribution: Volunteers actively participate in local environmental projects, reinforcing civic pride and ecological stewardship. • Provides ongoing volunteering and training opportunities, enhancing local skills and employability.

Arts, culture & heritage

• 🌾 Bespoke Volunteering Day with PSS and Shared Lives Created bespoke inclusive opportunities for disabled individuals to connect with nature, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to community life. • 🥕 Vegetable Harvesting with Red Tent Empowered women through hands-on growing, fostering healing, peer support, and access to fresh produce for improved wellbeing and autonomy. • 🧪 “Bog in a Box” Workshop Learned about sphagnum cultivation from experts whilst getting enthused about peatbogs. • 💦 “Raise the Rainwater Harvesting” Celebration Celebrated sustainable infrastructure, inspiring community pride, environmental responsibility, and collective ownership of long-term climate resilience solutions as sphagnum cannot be watered via mains water. • ✨ Twiggy the Scarecrow at Crank and Kings Moss Gala Arts project that strengthened local identity and intergenerational engagement, bringing joy, creativity, and visibility to our care farm’s community contributions. • 🎉 Volunteer Appreciation Day Recognised and celebrated volunteer efforts, boosting morale, reinforcing belonging, and encouraging continued civic participation and community leadership.

Activity, health and leisure

All activities at the care farm involve meaningful physical engagement. The site spans a substantial area—walking from one end to the other takes over ten minutes, encouraging gentle exercise and mobility for all participants. This natural movement supports improved physical health, especially for older volunteers and those experiencing social isolation. To ensure inclusivity, we’ve installed raised beds specifically designed for wheelchair users, enabling full participation in growing and harvesting activities. These adaptations reflect our commitment to accessibility, dignity, and empowerment for people of all abilities. Combined with our biodiversity and volunteering initiatives, the physical layout of the farm fosters wellbeing, connection to nature, and a sense of purpose—key outcomes for our community-focused work.