Banner photo of site visit to Islay by Rachel Keegan / ACT 

Introducing our new peatland staff!

We’ve recently welcomed two new additions to our peatland team: Lucy, a Peatland ACTION Officer, and Kinga our Habitat Restoration Trainee. Lucy will be working with a range of landowners and stakeholders across Kintyre and the Knapdale area, developing and delivering peatland restoration through Peatland ACTION – a national programme working to improve the condition of degraded peatlands across Scotland.

Kinga is currently helping with the peatland restoration work across multiple sites on Islay, and will also be working with the ACT Rainforest Team and their restoration work in Argyll.

Habitat Trainee Kinga out on a peatland site visit 

Why peatland restoration matters

Over 20% of Scotland is covered by peat but it is estimated that over 80% of our peatland is in poor condition. The value of our peatland is becoming increasingly recognised, healthy peatland provides vital benefits:

• Carbon Storage: aiding efforts in tackling climate change; by restoring degraded peatland we reduce the amount of carbon emissions entering out atmosphere.
• Flood regulation: capacity to help reduce the risk of flooding.
• Economic opportunities: restoration creates rural jobs and supports eco-tourism.
• Water filtration: filtering capacity improves water quality.
• Biodiversity: peatland habitats support rare species such as the Golden-Ringed Dragonfly.

Our Peatland staff undertake site visits in the planning, delivery and monitoring stages of projects. This can be to accurately map works or access routes, oversee sensitive work being undertaken by contractors or to monitor the sites post-intervention.

What happens on a site visit?

Peatland ACTION Officer Lucy on a site visit

Site visit preparation

Planning ahead is vital for any site visit, it is good to have a clear idea of where on site you intend to visit and have objective set out. Before heading out, the team liaise with landowners or their agents to gain access permissions and sometimes arrange meetings on site. The ever changing Argyll weather conditions and health and safety for the visit will be considered. This includes having a risk assessment and emergency plan in place, especially if working alone.

Necessary equipment such as peat depth probes to take measurements or a tablet to record GPS data on will be packed, including personal equipment such as waterproof clothing, appropriate footwear, first aid kits and of course a packed lunch!

Planning restoration on site

In the initial stages of a project, the team walk the site to identify key areas needing restoration. We map and record any notable features such as drainage ditches, hags or patches of bare peat. If a feature is identified, we mark it on our digital mapping system, adding key details such as the depth of a ditch, how fast the water is flowing and if it shows signs of active erosion. Photos help us visualise our findings and develop practical solutions back at the office.

Whilst on site looking at the features, we will also be looking at what type of restoration will be appropriate for the feature, for example will a peat dam be suitable for blacking a drain or will it require other materials such as wood. It is often easier to visualise the restoration when you are on site looking at it.

Site monitoring and data collection

Data collection and monitoring is vital for any restoration project. You need baseline data from before works in order to make comparisons once the area has been restored. It allows us to determine if a project has been successful. There are a variety of factors to consider and monitor on site, this includes assessing vegetation cover and type, herbivore impacts, peat depth and bird surveys. Often the data we collect is recoded digitally in the field using GPS mapping.

Debrief and reflection

Once returning from a site visit it is good to reflect on the day, catching up with colleagues back at the office or online. Discussing what has been achieved that day and how to progress. Follow-up site visits may be planned or we could have data to transfer and review.

Peatland restoration site

A day in the field with our new team members

Kinga’s first site visit on Islay

Kinga’s first site visit on Islay was to monitor a site where rhododendron control had recently taken place. Kinga compared what was seen on site to the patches of rhododendron previously mapped and recorded. She also compared what was seen to pre-work photographs. Whilst on site, Kinga also took some peat depth measurements in an area where we are hoping to undertake restoration work in the future.

Lucy’s first Peatland ACTION Officer site visit

Recently, Lucy joined Angharad, our Peatland Sites Manager, to review a site targeted for restoration. After a quick office briefing, they packed GPS tablets and restoration plans. They reviewed the travel arrangements and discussed a plan for the day – to visit a certain area of the site where drain blocking and reprofiling would be required with a tentative plan to visit another area if time allowed.

Upon arriving to site, they reviewed the maps and set off walking, finding a number of drainage ditches requiring restoration along with some invasive rhododendron. They took note of the drainage ditches including the depth, rough rate of water flow, the substrate at the base and took photographs to refer back to from the office.

At midday they took a well deserved break, taking in the views of the site and enjoying being surrounded by nature. A good vantage point that allowed views across the site was chosen.

In the afternoon, they identified natural watercourses on the site and took a closer look at possible access routes before heading back to the vehicle.

Reflections on the day

Each site visit brings new learning. Angharad and Lucy warmed up with hot drinks and discussed restoration techniques and planned for additional visits to further assess the restoration possibilities. The day wrapped up with notes on action items and a shared excitement for the work ahead.

Find out more about our work to protect and restore peatlands across Argyll