This year marks 40 years since the Lindow man ‘Pete Marsh’ was discovered in a peat bog at Lindow Moss by commercial peat cutters.

At the weekend, the community came together to discuss the future of the moss, the renovation and what they would like to see happen to our treasured peat bogs.

I attended the event at Wilmslow Guild where we were treated to talks setting out the value of peatland landscapes, what is proposed for the restoration of Lindow and how the natural habitat that lives there will be protected.

The event also marked the official launch of the Friends of Lindow Moss – a new group dedicated to raising awareness and helping conserve the bogs.

The figures are stark - globally a quarter of peatlands have been completely destroyed and a further 12 per cent drained or degraded.

The UK is in the top ten countries for peatland area, covering 12 per cent of land area – however, 80 per cent of UK peat bogs are now degraded.

We have this amazing site on our doorstep, which not only boasts historical and cultural importance but also is a huge environmental asset – yet many still do not know about it.

Groups involved are quite rightly using this important anniversary year to try and boost the profile and raise awareness.

There will be a series of events taking place to encourage people to discover this beautiful site, but also understand the importance and value of it.

There will be something for everyone, whether that be a dawn walk to the site of the body discovery, attending one of the exhibitions or talks or taking time to learn more about the value of peat – including facts such as 25 per cent of the UK’s drinking water comes directly from peatlands.  

I have raised the issue of Lindow Moss and peat bog restoration many times in Parliament, both on the floor of the House and privately in meetings with colleagues from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Government understands how important Lindow Moss is and is fully committed to addressing peat degradation. It has shown that commitment through money allocated from Defra.

In addition, nearly a quarter of a million pounds was given from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, and as part of government’s commitment to levelling up – money was given to Cheshire East – of which £80,000 went to the Lindow Moss Partnership.

While Lindow Moss is our local treasure – we all know restoration is vital for the UK – and I will keep raising the issue and doing everything I can to support those involved in protecting this much-loved treasure.