Celebrating five years of Caledonian Climate with Andrew Adamson

Following on from Joanna’s interview, we asked Andrew Adamson, Head of Business Growth, to share his reflections on five years of Caledonian Climate.

 

Reflecting on the business’ journey so far, what most stands out to you?

To me, it has to be the dedication of the team, not just internally, but of our clients and partners. Their determination and commitment to restoring peatlands and helping Scotland achieve its net zero targets are hugely inspiring and important if we are going to make real, lasting change.   

 

What has been your biggest achievement at the company? And what has been the greatest challenge?

Securing a Funding Officer for Scotland's largest private restoration project was a huge success. With a restoration cost of £2.6m across nearly 1000ha, this project will deliver significant positive impacts across carbon storage, biodiversity uplift, water quality and flood mitigation across its lifetime. Obtaining a Funding Officer was crucial to the successful management and delivery of the project.

In terms of challenges, navigating Peatland ACTION’s ever-changing requirements and an evolving Peatland Code, whilst maintaining our client’s confidence in the sector, has certainly kept us on our toes. We have become experts in adapting to new peatland frameworks and legislation in record time!  

 

The natural capital sector has developed rapidly in the last five years. How has Caledonian Climate helped shape this?

Caledonian Climate has taken every opportunity to engage with the sector and its leaders. We are at the forefront of the natural capital sector, engaging with and challenging policymakers where needed to produce high-quality projects at speed and scale. 

 

What role does collaboration play in delivering these projects?

Peatland projects aren't just a one-off delivery project that is completed within 24 months. These projects have a lifespan of between 30 and 100 years and, as a result, require commitment from all parties to ensure that we are successful in delivering high-impact, high-integrity peatland projects that hold a multitude of co-benefits for the long run.

 

Looking ahead, what do you see for the future of the business?

I see a huge opportunity for Caledonian Climate to lead the charge in landscape-scale, maximum integrity peatland recovery. Looking ahead, I envisage us not just continuing to drive peatland restoration in Scotland but also increasing the scale of restoration and natural capital markets across Europe. 

 

Thank you to Andrew for contributing to this blog!

 

Interested in learning more about Caledonian Climate's work? Click here to discover how we support landowners and businesses alike to reach their climate and nature goals through responsibly managed, high-integrity peatland restoration projects.