Exciting Progress in Peatland Restoration: A New Milestone for The Flow Country
We’re thrilled to share some exciting developments from The Flow Country, where work has officially begun on our second peatland restoration project. This initiative marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect and restore one of Scotland’s most vital ecosystems.
Restoring 410 Hectares of Peatland
The new project is taking place on a farming and sporting estate, where we will be restoring approximately 410 hectares of degraded peatland. Healthy peatlands play a crucial role in combating climate change by storing carbon, regulating water systems, and providing a habitat for unique biodiversity.
As with many peatland areas in Scotland, this site has been affected by human activities, particularly artificial drainage systems that disrupt its natural processes. To reverse this, we’re employing a variety of restoration techniques:
- Blocking and Reprofiling Drains: We’re using peat dams to block and reshape the artificial drains, helping the landscape to retain water and restore its natural hydrology.
- Gully Blocking with Surface Bunds: A significant portion of the work includes blocking gullies with peat or peat mineral bunds, which will help reduce water erosion and promote regeneration.
- Hagg Reprofiling and Microerosion Repair: While less extensive, this portion of the work focuses on repairing small-scale erosion to prevent further land degradation.
Environmental Benefits
By restoring these peatlands, we’re not only helping to revive an essential ecosystem but also contributing to a wider range of environmental benefits. Restored peatlands can:
- Enhance Biodiversity: Peatlands support a range of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered. Restoration helps protect these species and encourages greater biodiversity.
- Store Carbon: Peatlands are natural carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store more carbon than they release. This makes them an essential tool in the fight against climate change.
- Improve Water Regulation: By blocking drains and restoring the peat’s water-retention abilities, we help the land act as a natural flood management system, which is increasingly important in the face of extreme weather events.
What’s Next?
As we move forward with the restoration work, we’ll be sharing regular updates on our progress and the positive impacts this project is having on the environment. Stay tuned for more news as we continue to work towards a greener, more sustainable future in The Flow Country!
If you have sites that might be suitable for peatland restoration, we would be happy to discuss how we can work together to achieve our shared goals. Find out more here!
This project is supported by The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS). Delivered by NatureScot in collaboration with The Scottish Government and in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Government’s Peatland ACTION Fund delivered in partnership with NatureScot and other agencies.
