National Peatland Plan published

The National Peatland Plan highlights actions to protect, manage, and restore these precious natural resources.

The plan covers the range of public benefits resultant from well-managed peatlands, and focuses on work calculated to support development planning, conservation, and land management activities.

Its publication follows a public consultation in which many helpful comments came from a range of organisations and individuals.

Welcoming the report 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 in improving the state of our peatlands.”

The publication of the plan follows the Minister’s statement on Scotland’s Green House Gas targets in which the Scottish Government committed a further £3million for peatland restoration this year. It will also help deliver the recently published Biodiversity Route Map.

Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said: “I am delighted that we now have a national plan for our peatlands. This reflects the many very helpful and positive responses to an earlier consultation. 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.”

The plan’s delivery will be supported by a SNH-led National Peatland Group comprising land managers, Scottish Government, NGOs, agencies and representatives from the research community.