Environment / Two peatland restoration projects get underway
TWO new peatland restoration projects which will “deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits” are set to pick up pace.
The projects are located on the westside of Shetland at Murraster, where 45 hectares of degraded peatland are being restored, and at Herra in Yell, where 77 hectares of peatland will be brought back to life.
Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT) said these two sites were carefully selected for their potential to “deliver significant carbon reduction, increase biodiversity and water management benefits”.
Peatlands provide vital habitats for wildlife, improve water quality and help reduce erosion.
When damaged, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
But through careful restoration, they can once again become active carbon sinks.
At both Murraster and Herra, restoration teams are working alongside specialist contractors using machines to block and re-profile erosion gullies, re-profile peat hags and old peat banks and slow the flow of water off the hill.
As well as the environmental gains, peatland restoration is also said to bring tangible economic benefits to the isles.
Across Shetland, over £2 million has been invested through Peatland Action projects.
As part of the Scottish Government’s Peatland Action Partnership, NatureScot Peatland Action currently funds up to 100 per cent of the costs of peatland restoration, as well as providing advice, training and support to design, develop, deliver and monitor the projects.
The amenity trust employs Peatland Action officers in collaboration with NatureScot.
One local firm now has eight local folk working on peatland restoration, including new machine operators who are being trained in specialised conservation techniques.
At Murraster, four machines are already in operation under the management of local contractor Shetland Peatland Restoration Services, while work at Herra is set to begin this week.
Restoration at both sites will continue through the winter months and is due for completion by spring 2026.
Sue White and Ash-Lynn Tavener, Peatland Action project officers at Shetland Amenity Trust, are leading the work across both sites.
“When we restore peatlands everyone benefits,” White said. “As well as being good for nature and climate action, peatland restoration can increase hill grazing land and provides jobs in remote rural locations.
“This is my twelfth year in peatland restoration in Shetland. So far, over 900 hectares have been restored thanks to the work of Shetland Amenity Trust and RSPB through the Peatland Action programme.
“Whilst the process might initially seem daunting to land managers, we’re here to help every step of the way – from feasibility studies and funding applications to contractor support and site monitoring.”
White said the Murraster project has been three years in the making.
Crofter and landowner Hubert Moar first became involved after attending one of SAT’s Peatland Code events, where he learned how restoration could help reduce carbon emissions from his hill land.
At Herra in Yell, Sally Baisley is continuing her late mother Laura Baisley’s legacy of environmental care.
She explained: “After the work is completed, we hope to see a boost to biodiversity in the area.
“My mum understood the value of healthy peatlands – unique habitats for nesting birds and plants. I’m excited to see this land become active bog once again, a place for wildlife and the community to enjoy.”
Shetland Amenity Trust will be also hosting a Restoring Peatlands information event at the Shetland Marts on Wednesday 26 November at 5.30pm.
Crofters and landowners interested in learning how peatland restoration can benefit their land – as well as the funding opportunities and hands-on support available – are encouraged to attend.
Tavener added: “We are looking to work with anyone who wants to make a positive change in restoring and protecting Shetland’s peatland.
“Come along and find out more about the support available in terms of funding opportunities and practical guidance.”
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