Tweed Forum is continuing to assist NatureScot in promoting the Peatland ACTION programme. The main objective of the programme is to restore and manage peatlands (over 50 cm deep) for climate change mitigation. Peatlands mitigate against climate change by continuing to store existing carbon within the peat, if left undisturbed. They also actively capture carbon from the atmosphere through the natural processes of peatland growth. The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan set targets for the restoration of 30,000 hectares of peatland per year, with 250,000 hectares expected to be restored by 2030.
Peatland ACTION also works to raise awareness of peatland ecosystem services; highlighting the value of peatlands in enhancing wildlife conservation, combating climate change and assisting with water flow regulation, as well as exploring how to increase peatland resilience to the effects of climate change and encouraging innovation in restoration techniques. The Scottish Government’s committment to peatland recovery has already supported the restoration of over 90,000 hectares of peatland throughout Scotland since 1990.
For further information on undertaking peatland restoration in your area, please contact info@tweedforum.org. Tweed Forum are available, on behalf of Peatland ACTION, to carry out peatland condition surveys, provide advice on restoration and assist with funding applications.
You can also find out how Peatland ACTION is already being delivered in the Tweed catchment or visit NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION pages for videos and guidance.
