Peatland restoration

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Peatlands make up around 20% of the land area of the Cairngorms National Park and are internationally significant habitats. Through Cairngorms 2030, this project is restoring more than 1300 hectares of damaged peatland yearly until 2028, supporting healthier ecosystems, increasing biodiversity and improving habitats.

Healthy peatlands play a key role in storing and reducing gases in the atmosphere which contribute to climate change. When functioning well, they are also fantastic for biodiversity, water purification and flood management, but many areas of peatlands are currently damaged and degraded. When in poor health, peatland releases thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, lochs and rivers every year.

As part of this project, the Cairngorms Peatland ACTION team are working with land managers to identify and restore areas of damaged peatland, collaborating with technical experts and consultants, developing and delivering unique project plans for each area. This aligns with the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan to 2030, which includes targets to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatland.

As well supporting as on the ground restoration work, in the Cairngorms this project is working with a community of delivery and management partners throughout the National Park to support training, community engagement and knowledge sharing to ensure maximum impact.

Restoring more than 1300 hectares of peatlands yearly is an ambitious target, and this project relies on a huge partnership effort, and the support of local landowners and contracting firms.