A NORTH Somerset project which seeks to conserve the region's peatlands has been awarded with £450,000 to achieve its aims.

North Somerset’s Peatland Initiative is one of 13 grant winners from the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot scheme, led by the Environment Agency.

Peatlands store carbon, improve biodiversity and act as flood protection for local communities.

However, when they aren't properly maintained, they can emit carbon dioxide, which contributes to the climate emergency.

The funding from the protect, led by North Somerset Council and local and regional partners, will be used to carry out surveys and ground investigations of the North Somerset Levels and Moors.

The initiative will work with landowners since the land is privately owned.

Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, said: “Competition to secure the grant was fierce, and it’s a testament to the strength of our project, which will see us working alongside landowners to help them restore and conserve peatlands in our local area.

“North Somerset Council is committed to tackling the climate emergency, and replenishing our carbon stores through restoring local peatland is a key part of this."