Peatland progress

Peatland progress
Significant progress is being made to restore damaged peatlands in the Cairngorms National Park and deliver on our climate change commitments. In 2023, our Peatland ACTION team and partners restored 1,345 hectares of peatland, the third year in a row they have exceeded their target.
Peatland restoration is one of the key deliverables in our Partnership Plan and is crucial to capturing carbon, with one hectare of restored peat saving between two and 14 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. Restoration work also improves water quality and storage, as well as providing an enriched habitat for a range of species.
A crucial aspect of the project is providing rural jobs and supporting the local economy. Peatland restoration requires specific knowledge, which is why we created a new entrants’ scheme to train up contractors to be able to undertake this delicate work.
In the past three years, five local companies have taken on contracts as a result of the scheme and received training for 12 employees. NatureScot also supported the training of a new machine operator under an apprenticeship scheme.
For more information head to cairngorms.co.uk/peatland-action.
Alert
Latest from the National Park
Pulling together in wake of wildfires
An update from Park Authority Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir on collective efforts to tackle wildfires in the National Park going forward.
The Moorland Indicators of Climate Change Initiative
Update on wildfire situation
Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir have given an update on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Relevant alerts
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There is an extreme risk of wildfire impacting the National Park from Friday 11 July until Monday 14 July.
- Do not light any fire or barbeque
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For updates, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.