Loch Ness Peatlands Get Major Restoration Boost

Work has begun on an ambitious project to restore over 1,000 hectares of peatland near Loch Ness. Rewilding Affric Highlands is spearheading this initiative, collaborating with various charities and private landowners to repair connected areas of blanket bog. This significant undertaking includes land managed by Trees For Life, as well as private holdings at Guisachan and Corrimony Farm.

Healthy peatlands play a critical role in mitigating climate change by preventing carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and supporting a rich array of wildlife. However, approximately 80% of Scotland's peatland is currently degraded, often due to draining for forestry or excessive trampling and overgrazing. The rewilding scheme directly addresses this by blocking drains and constructing dams to conserve moisture, thereby restoring vital wetland habitats for species such as dragonflies and black-throated divers.

This project highlights a collaborative approach to conservation, integrating peatland restoration with ongoing farming operations. David Girvan of Corrimony Farm stated that his farm is demonstrating how agriculture can effectively support peatland restoration, aiding in carbon sequestration. Stephanie Kiel of Rewilding Affric Highlands emphasized that the initiative focuses on restoring an entire ecosystem at a landscape scale, driven by a collective commitment to addressing nature and climate crises while benefiting local communities.