Primary school pupils star in Peatland Action film

‘People and Peatland’ was partly recorded in Mid Argyll, at the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve (NNR), with pupils from Glassary Primary School, Lochgilphead.

The film by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) features the pupils as they explore the NNR with reserve managers Gordon Campbell and Doug Bartholomew, learning about one of Europe’s rarest habitats and the wildlife that thrives there.

People and Peatland premiered at the Holyrood launch of Peatland Action 2017 in March, attended by Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

The Scottish Government has allocated a further £8 million for SNH’s award-winning Peatland Action project, which will be distributed to projects that restore damaged peatlands back to good health. Peatland Action is one of the key projects helping to deliver the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity

The film features stunning wild scenery from across Scotland and a wide range of animals from frogs and toads, to mountain hares and red deer – even an insect-eating sundew plant. The film focuses on the many ways which all of us depend upon and benefit from our peatlands when they are in good condition.

More than 20 % of Scotland is covered by peatlands, which are vital for locking in carbon from the atmosphere. Healthy peatlands are also important for many economic sectors including fisheries, tourism, whisky and the water industry.

Maxine Rowe, Glassary’s head teacher, said: “We are delighted to have been part of this filming and to have Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve so close to our school for the children to learn first-hand how important the peatlands are.

“Having the opportunity to work with the National Nature Reserve staff has been fantastic; they have helped our pupils to understand the significance of the peatlands in helping to reduce carbon omissions. They also learned about the important topic of climate change and peatbog biodiversity in an outdoor, real life, stimulating context.”

People and Peatland can be viewed on the Peatland ACTION webpage www.snh.gov.uk/peatlandaction along with further information on the importance of peatlands and the project’s work.

ends

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Running since 2012, SNH-led Peatland Action is one of the key projects helping to deliver the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s biodiversity - biodiversityscotland.gov.uk/doing/strategy/

Renewed Scottish Government investment for 2017/18 will allow SNH to continue working with its partners to restore more of Scotland’s degraded peatland habitat.