Pupils from Long Eaton School conduct climate change research near Stanage Edge
Teenage students involved in a moorland preservation scheme have produced a video that will be shown to visitors next month.
Talking the Micci is a record of the work of hundreds of young researchers’ work on climate change and its effects on the Peak District moors.
The students, from 14 different schools, have been gathering evidence since 2008 for the Moorlands as Indicators of Climate Change Initiative – Micci – and the video, to be shown at the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw, between Hathersage and Sheffield, will feature video clips made by the young people and edited by Terry Abraham of Peak District TV, more commonly known as terrybnd.
The students, aged 11 to 18, gathered data including peat depth, vegetation and water table conditions. The pupils’ data is fed into scientific research being done by the Edale-based Moors for the Future Partnership and universities. Landowners have given their full co-operation.
Chris Robinson, of the national park’s learning team, said: “The Talking the Micci video weaves together scientists and young people talking about climate change in the Peak District uplands, featuring some atmospheric landscapes.
“It’s a pioneering programme that has been copied in other national parks, and many of the young people have found it immensely satisfying to know their work is of practical use to climate change research.”
The rare moorland habitats are being restored after centuries of erosion caused by human activities, including airborne industrial pollution, wildfires and drainage. Scientists say that in a healthy state the moorlands could store more carbon than all the forests in the UK and France put together.
The video will be shown on Tuesday 1 November at 4.30pm and Sunday 6 November at 1pm as part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science.
Bookings for the special showings at the Moorland Discovery Centre can be made by calling 01433 637907 or emailing the Peak District National Park Authority.
The film will also be shown at national park visitor centres in Bakewell, Castleton and Edale during the Festival of Social Science Week.
