Community-led peatland restoration on Islay

ACT launched our new Peatland Initiative in Oct 2022 to build upon the work started within the CANN project. We aim to make peatland restoration more accessible to everyone on the islands, regardless of the size of their landholding, whilst also building the connection people have with the peatlands around them and improving our understanding of the species that call this landscape home.

Why is it important to restore our peatlands?

Unfortunately, much of our peatlands are in bad condition, leading them to emit large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere and our water courses. We want to restore these peatland habitats, improving the hydrology of bogs to keep them nice and wet, which reduces the carbon released from the peat and creates better conditions for bog-loving plants and animals.

Great Sundew, by Angharad Ward/ACT

Working with NatureScot's Peatland ACTION

As part of the Peatland Initiative, ACT hosts two Peatland ACTION Project Officers covering Kintyre, Knapdale, Islay, Jura and Colonsay.

We’re working with NatureScot to deliver Scottish Government-funded peatland restoration across Argyll. Peatland ACTION can provide up to 100% of the upfront costs for restoration projects or can be used alongside private finance.

Our Project Officers support landowners and managers every step of the way, from developing restoration plans and navigating the Peatland ACTION application process, to liaising with contractors on the ground as they work to improve the quality of the peatland.

Restoration techniques include peat bank reprofiling, blocking artificial drains and restoring erosion features such as hags and gullies.

Restoring peatlands brings many benefits; it helps reduce carbon emissions, improves water quality and creates better habitats for rare species.

 

Digger Restoration workshop

Working with our community

The Peatland Initiative is also funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, allowing us to go the extra mile in supporting smaller-scale landholdings through the restoration process. We aim to further explore the connection local people have with peatlands, embracing the historic and cultural value of the habitat and recognising the opportunities it provides us with including employment and ecosystem services such as water regulation and filtration. Funding also allows us to monitor the impact of restoration works on the habitat condition and how birds and insects utilise the areas, looking beyond just the change in hydrology associated with restoration.

The Peatland Initiative is a three year project, and has delivered community engagement, peatland appreciation and a trainee post based on Islay.

Get in touch

If you are interested in learning more about ACT’s Peatland Initiative or the opportunities associated with peatland restoration and Peatland ACTION, then please get in touch at [email protected]