Speedy Hire and Sisk Collaborate to Restore North Pennines Peatlands

Building on their work last year, employees from Speedy Hire and Sisk returned to the North Pennines for a hands-on volunteering day, working alongside the North Pennines National Landscape team to restore degraded peatland. Peatlands play a crucial role in capturing carbon, reducing flood risk, and providing habitats for wildlife, yet many have been damaged over time, leading to carbon release and biodiversity loss. This restoration effort is part of a wider drive to protect and regenerate the UK’s natural carbon sinks.

Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, said:
"At Speedy Hire, we’re committed to driving sustainable change, and projects like this demonstrate how businesses can take action to support nature recovery and climate resilience. Peatlands are one of the most powerful natural climate solutions, and by working together with John Sisk, we’re not only restoring ecosystems but also strengthening partnerships within our supply chain to create long-term social and environmental value.”

For Sisk, the collaboration is an example of how supply chain partnerships can deliver tangible environmental impact.

Nick Summerfield, Regional Director UK North at Sisk, added:
"It’s fantastic to be back in the North Pennines with Speedy Hire, making a real difference to an area that plays such a vital role in tackling climate change. Sustainability is a core part of how we operate at Sisk, and working with supply chain partners who share our values means we can collectively contribute to a greener, more resilient future.”

Peatlands store twice as much carbon as forests worldwide, making their restoration essential for achieving the UK’s net-zero ambitions. They also help regulate water flow, reducing the risk of flooding downstream, and support rare wildlife species. However, degraded peatlands release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to global emissions.

The North Pennines National Landscape team, which has been restoring peatland in the National Landscape since 2006, highlighted the importance of business collaboration in supporting large-scale restoration efforts.

Rebekah Bainbridge, Peatland Field Officer with the North Pennines National Landscape team, commented:
"Having the support of Sisk and Speedy Hire in purchasing and planting cottongrass plugs for a second year has been brilliant. The volunteers worked really hard despite the cold and wintery weather conditions and the plugs they planted will add to the other restoration techniques to help restore this degraded peatland. This will help to restore these vital habitats and reduce the loss of carbon, increase biodiversity and help to mitigate flood risk further downstream.

Having businesses support our work, not just with funding but with hands-on volunteering, is invaluable, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued commitment.”

The initiative also highlights the wider social value of corporate volunteering. By getting teams involved in practical restoration efforts, Speedy Hire and John Sisk are helping employees connect with nature, develop new skills, and play an active role in sustainability.

Their work in the North Pennines demonstrates how businesses can collaborate to deliver real environmental impact while strengthening relationships within their supply chains. By taking direct action on the ground, they are not only supporting nature recovery but also reinforcing their commitment to sustainability, net zero, and social responsibility.