COP26 is over and the world’s attention to the climate crisis is swinging other ways. Looking at the headline coverage, the onlooker might be forgiven in thinking that the only solutions to climate change will be those agreed upon by nations, those high-level policy decisions made by the world’s Heads of State, politicians and financiers who were so prominent in front of the cameras.

But the other thread in the not-so-headline COP26 coverage was the actions that people around the world are already taking, practical actions channelling energy and giving hope that the individual, working in families, groups and communities can make a difference.

Here at the Great Fen we can and we are.

The long-awaited planting of the sphagnum moss, the final wet farming crop we are trialling in our fabulous Water Works project is now underway. This is getting down dirty, peat under the fingernails, frozen but invigorated, buoyant, productive, real people (the antithesis of Zoom), sharing and caring, committed action on climate change. The real thing.

We have already had several days of sphagnum planting undertaken by groups of colleagues and volunteers, humorously and ably led by Nicky Hennessy (Great Fen Reserves Officer) and Lorna Parker (Great Fen Restoration Manager). On the 25^th November we welcomed a vast range of experience and knowledge in the form of groups from Natural England (both regional and national teams), DEFRA, and our own Great Fen staff and volunteers. What mattered most however, was everyone’s willingness to get stuck in, work hard despite the cold, and get that sphagnum in the ground!

Perhaps it was the bright and beautiful day, or the sheer relief of getting away from the screens, but spirits were high, conversations as we worked were bubbling, and progress was satisfyingly apparent. Several thousand sphagnum propagules were safely and carefully gentled into the peat, another step in the cumulative process that will lead to locking in carbon, protecting peat, cleaning water and innovating this new and potentially transformational system of wet farming. We saw the fen at its winter best (space, golden light, soaring buzzards, the world small and distant) and people happy, nature and good nature - dirty and cold admittedly- but who said life was perfect.

Still lots of sphagnum to go in (months yet until we finish) so if anyone feels inspired by this and wants to be part of a massive, collective, life affirming, and positive antidote to climate anxiety, then get in touch.

With thanks to our supplier Micropropagation Services (E.M.) Ltd. for the sphagnum moss shown in the photographs - their BeadaHumok® product. 

In 2019 the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants, working with project partners, was awarded £1m by the People’s Postcode Lottery Dream Fund for its Water Works project.