Peatland Restoration - Abernethy

The primary objective in this phase of the An Lurg project is to stabilise the existing peatland communities to prevent further erosion and degradation and re-vegetate bare peat across the 168 hectare site. In addition, the restoration aims to reduce Carbon emissions, improve water quality, raise the water table, reduce sedimentation, and enhance biodiversity.

The site comprises extensive areas of peat hags, erosion gullies, and patches of bare peat, including some small peat pans. There are hotspots of micro-erosion across areas of the site linked to historic high herbivore pressure. There is a wide mix of peat hags from under 0.5m to over 2m with the majority falling within 0.7-1.5m in height. Parts of the site are in an actively eroding condition and is located within a landscape of degraded peat. The project requires a minimum of four excavators and will require helicopter transportation of materials.