DARTMOOR'S sheep were doing their bit for the environment this week, as their wool was used for vital peatland restoration works.

Peatland, a unique and important habitat, helps to prevent flooding, captures carbon, preserves biodiversity and ensures there is enough drinking water.

A spokesperson for the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project said: 'Excited and relieved this week to see the first delivery on site of our Dartmoor wool being used as part of the peatland restoration work.

'This collaboration has been a long time coming and is the result of a lot of work behind the scenes.

'Thanks to the efforts of all those involved, a long list but including the SW Peatland Partnership (who also provided funding support for this pilot from South West Water), the Duchy of Cornwall, Ruth from the Natural Dales Wool Products (who we met last year on our study trip) for her industry knowledge, tenacity and sheer determination, and the numerous farmers and landowners who have helped make this happen.

'5.3 tonnes of wool was purchased from 5 local commoners, scoured & processed into useable felted wool; some being used for tree mulch mats, some made into stuffed 'logs' as an alternative to timber or peat for this upland restoration work.

'All being utilised right now as a trial to see how they perform and hopefully to inform future options.An excellent medium to support new vegetation, absorb water while creating pools and slowly filtering, naturally biodegradable over time and full of Carbon too.

'All part of an initiative aiming to inject some value back into wool as a resource and ensure that value is invested locally under a circular economy.'