More than 20% of Scotland is covered by peat – covering some 2 million hectares, which is about the size of Wales.
Scotland’s National Peatland Plan was published in 2015 to highlight the major contribution peatlands make to Scotland. Peatlands occur throughout the country, with many bogs and fens just a short distance from most of our towns and cities, and as vast expanses across the North and West of the country.
These areas contribute much more than dramatic scenery or green oases in our industrial heartland. As stores of carbon they are supremely important in helping to tackle climate change; as homes for nature they are special and unique; and as the raw ingredient of rural farming, tourism and crofting they are vital. Healthy peatlands provide many benefits to all.
As part of Scottish National Heritage‘s vision for healthy peatlands in Scotland, the Peatland Action project began in 2012, tasked with kick-starting peatland restoration capacity and understanding across the country.
Now, Scotland’s Climate Change Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, has reaffirmed that a £400,000 investment in peatlands will help reduce emissions and allow Scotland to build on its ambitious climate change plans. She said “Our investment in peatland restoration has already transformed more than 10,000 hectares since 2013 and I expect this will play a significant role in our proposed domestic climate change plan.”
The funding to improve peatlands – which help mitigate climate change by locking in carbon – was announced during ’s statement to Parliament on the annual report on climate change targets. This year’s statistics show Scotland has exceeded its 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% six years early.
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