26th October: Nature / Peatland restoration proposed for nature reserve

There could be peatland restoration on the cards at one of Shetland’s national nature reserves at the very northern tip of the isles.

NatureScot is looking to appoint a consultant to undertake a peatland restoration feasibility study across much of the Hermaness site in Unst. The contractor would assess potential peatland restoration on the large site, and use the results to produce a restoration management plan. It is understood that around 500 hectares of peatland would be assessed.

NatureScot’s Juan Brown said the organisation will work closely with local graziers and land managers before any peatland restoration work is taken forward. “Eroding peatland is a significant contributor to Shetland’s carbon emissions, and peatland restoration – by, for example blocking erosion gullies and re-profiling of peat haggs – is an effective way to contribute to climate change mitigation,” he added.