ESTATE owners and gamekeepers say they are stepping up efforts to help Scotland meet its climate change targets.
As the grouse shooting season draws to a close, rural communities have launched a campaign called Precious Places to highlight the environmental, social and economic benefits that organisers say are delivered year-round by moorland managers.
Grouse moors act as huge carbon stores and those behind the campaign say pro-active management practices help support active peat bogs rich in wildlife.
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A spokesman said: “Healthy and well-managed peatlands are a key part of the Scottish landscape and are an internationally important wildlife habitat, home to rare birds, mammals and plant species. They also help improve water quality and play a vital part in reducing flood risk.”
Estates across the Tomatin, Speyside, Grampian, Loch Ness and Southern Upland areas have been leading the charge to repair degraded peatlands in order to enhance their carbon storage capacity. Estates undertaking peatland restoration projects include The Hopes Estate in the Lammermuir Hills, Alvie and Pitmain on Speyside, with extensive peatland restorations completed on Garrogie and Corriegarth in the North of Scotland.
Projects have also taken place on Farr and Glenmazeran in the Monadhliaths. Members of the Grampian Moorland Group that have undertaken peatland restoration projects include Invercauld and Candacraig, as well as Mar and Glenfeshie in the Cairngorms.
Spanning 2200 hectares, most of which is open hill and moorland, The Hopes has been heavily involved in intensive peatland restoration activity, working with the Scottish Government through the Scottish Natural Heritage Peatland Action Fund.
Robbie Douglas Miller, owner of The Hopes, said: “We wholeheartedly support the Precious Places campaign, as moors play a crucial role in all our lives by providing multiple benefits for people and nature. When healthy, they ‘lock-in’ carbon to help combat climate change, support biodiversity and safeguard rural jobs.”
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