Sixty British Army soldiers has partnered with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for a significant landscape restoration project at Haweswater.

The collaboration, happening today (October 19), is part of the Army's 'Global Charge' green initiative, highlighting their commitment to back local environmental projects.

The soldiers will use their strength and engineering expertise to move boulders and 1,000 natural earth bags in an area of peat bog in the Riggindale Valley.

It means that water will be captured and held in place to re-wet the landscape, creating a thriving habitat.

The Lake District site was chosen due to its long-term conservation work.

Landowner United Utilities and the RSPB have been enhancing the stunning landscape since 2011, benefiting the wildlife, water, and public.

Major Sean Mackey of the Light Dragoons, who instigated the army's involvement in the project, said: "As a local resident, I was aware of the vital work taking place at Haweswater to improve the habitats there.

"When the British Army’s annual green initiative was coming round again this year, I saw a golden opportunity to contribute."

The Army team will work at Sale Pot, which means Willow Pool, which is adjacent to Haweswater Reservoir.

Vegetation surveys by the RSPB revealed that once upon a time, this now parched area was a thriving wetland habitat.

Extensive peat bog drainage has historically occurred in upland areas, primarily for agricultural purposes.

However, the practice has impacted water quality, increased downstream flooding, and disrupted the bog's ability to support diverse plant and animal life.

Richard Smith, an RSPB Warden who will be involved in leading the day, said: “We’ve previously investigated re-wetting this peat bog, but it would have involved helicoptering in machinery and the cost of that was prohibitively expensive.

"We’re a small team of three Wardens here at Haweswater, so it isn’t a task we could have done alone.

"But with 60 soldiers to lend both engineering expertise, and their collective strength, - moving rocks and earth to block old ditches and hold the water in the bog again - it will hopefully only take a day to complete this mammoth task."

John Gorst, Catchment Partnership Officer for United Utilities, said: "We’re delighted to have the army’s help on this project.

"Wet peat bogs absorb large amounts of carbon, so make a huge contribution to the fight against climate change."

Learn more about Haweswater at www.wildhaweswater.co.uk.