LAKE Vyrnwy is set to undergo major restoration work in a bid by water companies to bring back peatland to the reservoir.

The work to restore more than 2,000 acres of peatland at the lake, near Llanfyllin, was announced on Monday by Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy in a project designed to combat climate change.

The companies will be working with partners RSPB Wales and Moors for the Future to restore 2,000 acres of peatland by 2025 at its reservoirs at Lake Vyrnwy, and also at Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District.

Liv Garfield, Severn Trent's chief executive officer, said the move comes as the environment and the threat of climate change and nature loss at the forefront of the news with COP 26 in Glasgow.

She added: "Now’s the time businesses and companies like us have to understand the important role we can play in combating nature loss and improving the environments around us that we’re gifted with.

"That’s why this exciting addition to our commitments to nature that will see us restore over 2,000 acres of peatland in England and Wales, will make a huge difference.

"It will not only positively impact communities and the environment, but will protect and improve water quality and see us going even further in our commitment to nature.”

Jon Pike, RSPB Lake Vyrnwy senior site manager, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hafren Dyfrdwy to deliver an ambitious programme of peatland restoration at Lake Vyrnwy.

"The uplands around Lake Vyrnwy include extensive areas of peatland (blanket bog) which are degraded due to past land management practices.

"Degrading peatland releases carbon and reduces the biodiversity of this designated landscape, as well as impacting water catchment management.

"Through this restoration programme we are aiming to create the conditions where peat-forming vegetation can thrive helping to tackle both the climate and nature emergencies.”