Performance Paper 2 - Peatland ACTION Programme

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms Peatland ACTION Programme for 2026/27, detailing its progress and plans. The Park Authority is on track to restore 1,300 hectares of peatland this year, contributing to wider Scottish Government goals to restore 250,000 hectares by 2030, and the National Park Partnership Plan target of 38,000 hectares by 2045, having already exceeded its 2027 target of 6,500 hectares. The programme currently manages eleven projects, utilising £3.5 million in capital finance and £705,000 in resource finance for peatland restoration, with future funding looking secure. Although there are ongoing challenges, such as a shift to more complex restoration sites and the potential impacts of wildfire, the programme has reserve projects in place to manage risks and maintains strong landowner engagement and a stable team, ensuring continued delivery of peatland restoration efforts.