Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-27 - Other - Page 34
A3. Peatland restoration
Degraded peatland produces 10% of Scotland’s carbon emissions and preventing these emissions is a vital
part of the national drive to reach net zero by 2045. Within the Cairngorms National Park, we estimate there
are around 90,000 ha of impacted peatland and 57,000 ha of this has experienced some form of erosion.
Peatland restoration also helps store carbon: restoring one hectare of actively eroding peat saves up to
19 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year.
We want the Cairngorms to become a centre of excellence in repairing degraded peatland and providing
long-term jobs in peatland restoration and management (see People objective B4 – Skills and training).
The restoration of peatland stops the loss of carbon, benefits biodiversity, improves water quality and helps
alleviate flooding. This is one of the key deliverables that the Cairngorms can undertake to help Scotland meet
its net zero targets. There is a need to ensure that our peatland and woodland work is closely integrated to
ensure the best outcomes for the National Park.
OBJECTIVE
Restore and manage peatland within the National Park
to reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity.
TARGET
•
A minimum of 38,000 ha peatland is under restoration
management by 2045.
ACTIONS
BY 2027
•
80% of all drains are restored by 2035.
•
All erosion features are restored by 2050.
•
Restore a minimum of 6,500 ha of peatland.
•
Increase contractor and estate capacity while creating job
opportunities through a peatland skills training programme
(see People objective B4 – Skills and training).
•
Develop guidance on the integration of peatland
restoration and woodland expansion in the National Park.
PARTNERS
(alongside the
Park Authority)
•
Explore protection options for peatland restoration from herbivores.
•
Heritage Horizons: Cairngorms 2030 programme (see page 12).
Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish
Enterprise, NatureScot, private contractor businesses, landowners, deer
management groups, Scottish Land and Estates
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