Peatland restoration underway in Renfrewshire

Work to restore peatland in Renfrewshire is underway as part of the Council’s ongoing response to climate change and drive to reach net-zero emissions.

Damaged peatlands are identified as a significant emitter of carbon; however peatland restoration is one of the most effective ways of reversing this, locking carbon in and offering a clear, nature-based solution to the climate crisis.

Taking place on West Tandlemuir Farm in Lochwinnoch, the works will restore 216 hectares of peatland with the potential to sequester 556 tonnes of CO2 per year – while also supporting, enhancing and connecting existing habitats within the farm.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “We continue to look at all possible avenues to reduce our carbon emissions as we work towards Renfrewshire becoming net zero.

“Peatland restoration has shown to be incredibly effective in storing carbon and reducing the amount emitted into our atmosphere so works like this will make a real difference to Renfrewshire’s air quality and carbon emissions.

“Through our RenZero campaign, and our Plan for Net Zero, we have set out how we will work towards net zero emissions, but it’s clear this needs to be a partnership approach with everyone across Renfrewshire so please do your bit to support the campaign. Together we will lead the way towards a cleaner, greener future.”

The development of the West Tandlemuir project has been supported by Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network’s Peatland Officer, who will also project manage onsite delivery on behalf of the council, and the project is part of the Clyde Peatlands initiative which aims to identify opportunities for peatland restoration to deliver climate and ecological benefits across the Glasgow City Region.

The works have been fully funded by NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION Fund through a grant award of £297,498.

Francesca Osowska, NatureScot CEO, said: “Restoring our peatlands offers a clear nature-based solution to the climate crisis by locking in carbon, enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality and mitigating flood risk.

“Since 2012, Peatland ACTION has put more than 51,000 hectares of peatland on the road to recovery. We are delighted that so many landowners, managers and communities have already seen the value of peatland restoration, and taken advantage of the opportunities Peatland ACTION funding offers to deliver positive change for their land. We hope that this will inspire many more to do the same.”

Works are now underway and will last approximately 16 weeks.

For more information on the council’s response to climate change and its RenZero campaign, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/climatechange.