Yet the benefits of peatland restoration go far beyond simply absorbing CO2. As one of Scotland’s leading peatland restoration delivery partners, we are well-versed in the wide-reaching benefits of restoring dried-out and eroding peatlands, encompassing the planet, people and economy.

Whether you’re a business considering investing in a peatland restoration project, a landholder with damaged peatlands, or simply someone with an interest in nature-based-solutions to climate change, this is a quick dive into the immense and varied benefits of peatland restoration.

 

Environment

CO2

Let’s start with the most publicised benefit of peatland restoration: carbon storage. Damaged peatlands are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 5% of global CO2 emissions each year. However, when restored, peatlands absorb and lock away CO2 for good, reducing carbon emission equivalents by around three tonnes per hectare of previously degraded habitat.

Restoring all of Scotland’s peatlands alone would reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 15%, catapulting Scotland towards its net-zero targets.

 

Biodiversity

Returning peatlands to their natural state creates thriving ecosystems and habitats where different plants and wildlife can flourish. Specialist species and plant life are seen to abound in the waterlogged conditions of restored peatlands, enhancing the UK’s biodiversity. In particular; Dragonflies, Water Vole and ground nesting birds relish the revitalised habitats.

 

Water Quality

Water derived from healthy peatlands naturally contains few pollutants and low nutrient levels, requiring less treatment to drink. This is in part the result of sphagnum moss, a plant which is present in near natural peatlands and naturally filters the water.

 

Fire Prevention

Peatlands can also play a role in fire prevention. Dried-out peatlands are highly flammable, with the potential to cause devastating peat fires. A huge peat fire in 2019 was estimated to have released over 700,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent – environmentally catastrophic. 

Rewetting damaged peatlands restores its water table, helping to reduce the risk of peat fires and limit the spread of fire should it occur.

 

Economic

Peatland restoration also holds economic benefits for rural areas - providing new jobs, boosting business and enhancing the quality of life for the community.

 

Rural jobs

Peatland restoration has contributed to a growing demand for a skilled, rural workforce able to carry out vital work such as that provided by specialist digger drivers, ecologists, ornithologists, hydrologists, Land Managers and more.

Due to the remote areas in which peatland restoration takes place, local contractors see their business thrive, as their unique understanding of the area and particular skillset proves invaluable to a project.  

 

Tourism

Restored peatlands can lead to an increase in tourism, further boosting the local economy. Be it a staff away from the investing business or walkers interested in exploring the beautiful scenery, healthy peatlands can attract visitors who spend in local businesses and support the area’s growth.

 

Social

Perhaps less discussed are the social benefits of peatland restoration, particularly for residents of rural communities.

 

Mental Health

Healthy peatlands provide a luscious natural setting to engage in recreational activities, such as walking, trail running, photography and art. These beautiful, restored spaces encourage locals to spend time outside and in nature, which has been linked to enhanced mental well-being and reduced stress.

 

Education

The process of restoring damaged peatlands can serve as a memorable lesson for young children learning about the environment and climate change. Visiting the project site and watching the restoration work progress offers young people a unique insight into the risks of the climate crisis and the action needed to live more sustainably. CCP have provided students with the opportunity to visit some of our sites and have attended careers fairs on several occasions. Our Roadshows in 2023 also helped to spread the positive word! Check out the film here.

 

Quality of life

As mentioned above, restoring peatlands in remote areas often contributes to increased job opportunities, tourism, and business growth, bringing greater investment in local facilities and resources.

In rural areas which would otherwise be overlooked, this investment interest can have a significant impact on the area and enhance the quality of life for the community.

 

Recovering damaged peatlands has the potential to benefit not only the nature and climate crisis but also the rural communities in which these wetlands are so often found. To this end, investment in peatland restoration has far-reaching positive implications for people, the planet and our collective future. For businesses looking to boost their CSR credentials, peatland restoration poses an ideal solution.

Interested in investing in peatland restoration? Get in touch with us to see how we can help.