After more than two decades, a significant peatland restoration initiative in southern Scotland has reached completion.
Commencing in 2000, NatureScot undertook the restoration efforts on a sprawling 90-hectare (220-acre) expanse at the Kirkconnell Flow reserve.
This region had suffered severe damage during the Victorian era due to peat cutting, followed by the implementation of drains and tree planting.
The recovery of the bog, according to Reserve Manager Suzanne McIntyre, has been nothing short of “remarkable.”
“The restoration work will still take a few years to fully embed, during which time the surface of the bog will remain delicate and in need of careful protection,” Ms McIntyre said.
“However, all the recovery signs so far indicate that the bog at Kirkconnell Flow will be as we had hoped – sufficiently resilient to withstand the expected changes to the climate, and able to lay down peat and lock in carbon for years to come.”
Barry Dunne, the Head of Peatland Operations, emphasised the crucial role peat bogs play in addressing climate and biodiversity challenges.
He expressed Peatland Action’s eagerness to collaborate with other landowners in the future, aiming to achieve even greater success in the ongoing endeavour to restore and preserve these vital ecosystems.
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