Scottish Natural Heritage Publishes Peatland Plan
Four-fifths of Scotland's peatland is damaged and could be leaking greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, Scottish Natural Heritage has warned.
Four-fifths of Scotland's peatland is damaged and could be leaking greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, Scottish Natural Heritage has warned.
Peatland, which covers about a fifth of Scotland's landscape, stores carbon dioxide, sustains vegetation and is also a vital source of water for Scotland's whisky industry.
But SNH says about 70% of blanket bog and 90% of raised bog is damaged, causing it to leak carbon rather than store it.
The body has now published a national peatland plan to protect, manage and restore the resource.
SNH chairman Ian Ross said: These wonderful habitats and landscapes have taken thousands of years to form and it is our special duty to ensure we take the necessary steps to keep them vibrant, peat-rich and healthy.
We can do a great deal to fully realise the many and diverse benefits to be gained from Scotland's peatlands.
I am especially pleased that growing numbers of people are realising the importance of peat and we must continue to find ways of supporting the crucial peatland restoration and management work so vital for nature and wider society.
The key to success will continue to be collaboration and effective partnership working, and everyone has a role to play here. SNH will continue to lead in promoting the great importance of Scotland's peatlands.''
Dr Aileen McLeod, minister for environment, climate change and land reform, said: Scotland is a peat-rich nation and our peatlands are now recognised globally for their outstanding biodiversity and carbon storage.
I am delighted to see the publication of a plan which sets out what we are doing, and where we are heading, in our programme to conserve and restore peatlands, and so support the multiple benefits they deliver.
I thank the many organisations and individuals who have contributed to the plan which sets a firm foundation for action.
I am also greatly heartened by the significant roles played by land managers and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) in improving the state of our peatlands.''
The publication of the plan follows the minister's statement on Scotland's greenhouse gas targets in which the Scottish Government committed a further £3 million for peatland restoration this year.