News / Sandy Loch peatland restoration completed
A PROJECT led by Scottish Water to restore peatland near the Sandy Loch reservoir in Lerwick has been completed.
The utility said it hoped the peat would be protected from future deterioration, while it should also enhance the quality of water for customers in Lerwick and nearby.
Scottish Water worked in tandem with Shetland Amenity Trust and local contractor Sean Mackenzie on the site after a survey identified a large area of exposed peat.
The restoration, which added bog pools and native plants to the land, was completed in a few weeks.
Scottish Water’s sustainable land management team member Dr Zoë Frogbrook said there would be a number of benefits from the restoration.
“The water from the Sandy Loch supplies drinking water for Lerwick and a significant part of Shetland,” she said.
“Restoring peat in this area helps us protect long term water quality as well as providing environmental benefits.
“The work to restore the peat at Sandy Loch was a first of its kind for our team and demonstrates a successful partnership between Scottish Water and local stakeholders, including the Shetland Amenity Trust.”
The Amenity Trust’s peatland restoration officer Sue White said restoring peatlands brought many benefits to ecosystems including the provision of clean drinking water.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
