Rothiemurchus Estate, Gleann Eanaich peatland restoration project
July 2022
WHAT?
A small part of a degraded peatland area to the east of Loch Eanaich in Gleann Eanaich is undergoing restoration work, funded by a grant from Peatland ACTION and Rothiemurchus. Low ground-pressure diggers will rework the turf and peat to cover over bare peat and protect the site from the erosive forces of the weather. They will aim to create low bunds to trap shallow pools of water that will allow peat-forming plants to grow again over time.
WHY?
The peatland is eroding. It has lost much of its vegetation and sections of the peat that used to lie here. Carbon is being lost from the site as more peat is lost. This means the site is emitting greenhouse gases. The aim is to reshape the peat and vegetation that is still present so that we stop the loss of peat and therefore carbon.
WHEN?
Work is planned to start on 18th July 2022 and progress for approximately 2 weeks
WHAT ABOUT THE OLD STUMPS?
These stumps are being studied by St Andrew’s University. They have already been able to date the stumps to around 8000 – 6000 years ago. They are currently also looking at what pollen is stored in the peat to help understand more about the forest that grew here before the climate changed and the trees died off. No stumps will be removed from the site as part of the peatland restoration. Stumps buried in the peat where a bund is needed to be made or the hag edge is to be reshaped, will be removed to allow a watertight seal to be made. Stumps can be re-used as a sediment trap or wind shield as part of the efforts to stop the loss of peat and carbon from the site.
CAN I SPEAK TO THE MACHINE OPERATORS?
Please do not approach the machines when they are working, the operators may not be able to see you from the cab. The operators will be happy to discuss the work with you when they are not in the process of driving the machines.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact: Emma Stewart (CNPA) 07525 233711 or Andrew Coleman (HCL) 07715 493575
