Yesterday, former Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Boardman CBE met with BMC staff in the Peak District to highlight projects that are successfully fighting the climate crisis. Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer Dr. Cath Flitcroft and CEO Paul Ratcliffe met with Chris to plant sphagnum moss as part of the BMC Access & Conservation Trust (ACT) campaign, The Climate Project, with partner Moors for the Future.
This was day one of Chris’ Pedal for Paris journey where he will cycle a total of 550 miles over eight days from Manchester to Paris, arriving 23 July. Pedal for Paris is to raise awareness of Sport England 's Going for Green Pledge to encourage green action and innovation. The BMC was amongst the first to sign the Going for Green Pledge which aligns with our commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2040 .
Chris, currently Chair of Sport England, said, “Sport England launched our environmental strategy earlier this year and it’s pretty bold. It essentially means than anyone who wants to access public money must have an environmental strategy and action plan by 2027. So part of that – making it visible – we thought, Paris aims to be the most sustainable Olympics ever. It’s nearly 10 years since the signing of the Paris (Agreement) on climate change. What is the most sustainable mode of travel on the planet? Let’s ride there and en route, not just raise awareness of climate change and the impact it’s having on sport, but also visit some projects en route doing some good things.”
Everything Chris and team are wearing on their journey is sustainably-sourced, carbon neutral or made from recycled fabrics, with kit provided by Universal Colours who are a member of 1% for the Planet . The two support cars are both electric and even the glue for the Pedal for Paris decals are stuck on with environmentally sound glue.
BMC Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer Dr Cath Flitcroft says, “We are absolutely delighted that Chris Boardman chose to highlight the BMC’s sphagnum planting project with Moors for the Future . It’s so important to share with the wider world that simple, nature-based projects like this have an incredibly positive impact in terms of avoiding carbon loss and protecting wildlife habitats, not to mention keeping the peat bogs in good shape for hill walkers and climbers to use and enjoy for generations.
“Sphagnum moss is vital in the fight against the climate crisis as it locks in as much carbon as a tropical rainforest and holds 20 times its own weight in water which is essential in the rewetting and rewilding process. The more we plant and preserve, the brighter the future for Britain’s green and blue spaces.
“BMC volunteers and staff have now planted over 16,000 sphagnum plugs, and members have donated over £70,000 to support this project, via The Climate Project , from the BMC Access & Conservation Trust (ACT) . This will restore 2,400 square metres of sphagnum on the Peak District moors.
"There is much more still to be done so we would encourage everyone to volunteer on a planting day donate just £3 2 ) of sphagnum moss so any donations are much appreciated to support this vital work.”
BMC C hief Executive Officer, Paul Ratcliffe says, “It’s fantastic that Chris has chosen to shine a light the BMC’s conservation work with Moors for the Future funded through our Access and Conservation Trust (ACT) on his Pedal for Paris journey. Thank you to our members for supporting our climate project; it’s important that we can collectively protect the wonderful environments that we enjoy our activities in for future generations.”
DONATE TO PLANT MORE SPHAGNUM HERE
VOLUNTEER FOR A SPHAGNUM PLANTING DAY HERE
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The BMC's Climate Project supports the work of Moors for the Future.
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