230808PerfCtteePaper1_PeatlandACTION

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Peatland Action programme for 2023-24. The peatland programme aims to help meet the targets and priorities of the National Park Partnership Plan 4 and the Heritage Horizon Cairngorms 2030 Programme, while supporting the Scottish Government's peatland restoration targets. The programme has a £3.63 million capital finance budget for 2023/24 with the intent to maximise its use for peatland restoration, with capital expenditure increasing as Autumn and Winter approach. By the end of July 2023, 204 hectares of restoration work had been completed. There are some challenges to be worked through, mainly delays in land manager appointments, complex procurement processes and contractor capacity. There is a robust pipeline of 25 projects for 2024/25, exceeding the target of 1515 hectares.