Reflections on a successful year for the Cairngorms Peatland ACTION team

Six people in brightly coloured coats and hats stand on a raised bank in the middle of a peat bog

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Healthy peatlands are a hidden gem beneath our feet, capturing carbon and storing water, a powerful tool in tackling the nature and climate crisis. This year, our Peatland ACTION team supported restoration work on 2,181 hectares of degraded peatland, smashing their target by 600 hectares. Here the team share some of their personal highlights from the year.

Daisy Whytock - Cairngorms Peatland ACTION Programme Manager

"Before being promoted to Programme Manager, I was the Project Officer overseeing work on a heavily eroded peatland, where we had used grass seed to stabilise bare peat in a large area of erosion. I was amazed to see vibrant green shoots growing on site following the early spring sowing and am excited to see how the grassy areas help the bog to recover."

Daisy Whytock

Thomas Plant - Peatland Action Project Officer

"Working with a new entrant contractor on their first ever peatland restoration project and various other new operators were highlights for me. It was amazing to see how quickly these companies and individuals took to the work, and it was great to be able to help grow capacity and skills in the sector."

Thomas Plant

Emma Stewart - Cairngorms Peatland ACTION Operations Manager

"This year saw two well-earned promotions within the team for the roles of Project Officer and Programme Manager, and we gained a Project Assistant and a new GIS Officer. It was a challenging year but the extra effort and dedication the team put in was humbling and I feel very lucky to be part of this crew."

Ed Smith

Joel Johnson - Peatland Action Project Officer

"My highlight was seeing all the flora and fauna on our re-wetted sites, making the challenges of taking on my own projects as a fully fledged Project Officer all the more rewarding. I am very grateful for all the team's support, knowledge and encouragement and I am looking forward to what next season will bring."

Ed Smith

Simon Thomas - Peatland Action Project Officer

"My highlight from the past year was hosting the IUCN UK Peatland Programme Conference in the Cairngorms National Park. Having the opportunity to showcase our project sites and fabulous wildlife to hundreds of delegates from across the country was a real privilege."

Daisy Whytock