This practice began the spread of peat blanket bog which nowadays covers much of the higher moorland.

BBC: The many ages of Dartmoor

Over the past four years, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership has blocked moorland drains with peat dams to try to restore important blanket bog habitats in the North Pennines, and prevent the erosion of the peat.

BBC: Peat bog depths in Cumbria measured in CO2 survey

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said areas such as blanket peat bog should be protected from development.

BBC: Concerns raised over wind turbines and wild land