The National Trust is calling on people to support vital conservation work at the iconic Peak District landmark, which will begin with a mass planting campaign next weekend.

Kinder Scout's peatland landscape provides a habitat for many upland species, including the golden plover and the mountain hare, and is also one of England's most valuable peat deposits.

As the environmental pressure on the area has grown over the last 200 years – due to a combination of acid rain, major wildfires and past excessive grazing – the peat soil has become so degraded that, instead of reducing carbon in the air, it is actively releasing it back into the atmosphere.

That makes it hard for plants to survive and, without the stabilising effect of plant root systems, the peat becomes exposed, dries out and then washes away in heavy rainfall.

This creates deep gullies across the landscape and can pollute the drinking water supply.

The National Trust is now calling on people to help try to restore Kinder Scout to its former glory.

High Peak estate property manager Mike Innerdale said: "Kinder Scout is an iconic part of our countryside and unless something is done to stop the rapid erosion it is suffering, this magnificent landscape could be devastated within a matter of years.

"We are offering people a unique opportunity to help us save this precious place by taking part in the mass planting event or donating to the Peak District Appeal."

A similar mass planting campaign took place last year when – between May and November – more than 130,000 cotton grass plants were planted by members of the public and groups from E-on, Moors for the Future and the National Park authority.

It was organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the Mass Trespass, which took place on 24 April 1932, when nearly 500 ramblers descended on Kinder Scout to exercise their right to roam on open moorland.

What followed was a brief but vigorous battle with gamekeepers who tried to halt their progress, before the walkers victoriously marched on to Ashop Head.

It was a pivotal moment in the campaign for better quality access to the countryside and ultimately led to the formation of the National Parks and the Countryside Rights of Way Act, which came into force in 2004.

This year it is hoped that even more cotton grass plants – an estimated 150,000 – will be planted at the mass planting event.

Cotton grass is also known as bog cotton and is a characteristic plant of peat bogs.

By re-introducing the species, National Trust workers hope to improve the look of the area.

If the plants take root, they will also help to ensure that carbon, which is naturally stored in the peat, will remain locked in and will not escape into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

The roots of the plants will stabilise the soil, while the tops offer the peat protection from the elements.

Cotton grass also provides food for at least three Peak District residents – the large heath butterfly, the golden plover and the red grouse.

The mass planting event will take place between 11am and 3.30pm on Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.

To become involved, meet at Edale Cross and bring waterproofs and a packed lunch. For further information call 01433 670368.

Those who cannot attend but want to help the appeal can donate money online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peakdistrictappeal