Wings, weather and live wires part of the challenge in record setting peatland restoration for FLS
Protected bird species, storms, snow and power lines were some of the challenges faced and overcome by Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) as the organisation set a new benchmark in its peatland restoration efforts for 2025-26.
FLS peatland teams, with support from colleagues across the organisation, have recorded 1821 hectares of restoration – up from 1744ha in 2024-25.
Restoration was carried out across Scotland including sites in the Flow Country, Torrachilty in the Highlands, West Argyll, Lochaber, the Kilpatrick Hills and Flanders Moss in central Scotland along with South Rannoch in the east and Lochar Mosses in the south. The work saw the conversion of over 30 formerly commercial, afforested sites, and open hill restoration.
The forest to bog project at Ardintoul near Glenelg encapsulates the unique range of challenges that FLS staff face during forest operations and peatland restoration work.
A pre-operational survey at the site in the spring of 2025 confirmed the presence of a pair of golden eagles showing an interest in an old eyrie near the proposed work site. This forced FLS environment staff to place a hold on any activity and to undertake monitoring of the eagles. Operations only resumed once it was confirmed - after several months of observation - the pair had not occupied the nest.
As part of restoration plan, a one kilometre exclusion zone was established around the nest to prevent disturbance if the eagles decided to return the following breeding season. Work would not be done within the zone if this was the case.
Adding to planning and management logistics, a live power line running through the exclusion zone needed to be shut down in order to remove trees growing beneath the wires.
However, autumn storms and then snow during the Christmas period delayed the power shutdown. Pressure built as the clock ticked towards the next golden eagle breeding season and the potential return of any pairs to the old nest.
As the snow melted, extra machines and machine operators were brought in for the harvesting and mulching at the site, clearance of remaining trees and the rewetting operations in the golden eagle exclusion zone. The power lines were shutdown with a week to spare to remove the final standing trees underneath them.
Constant monitoring was carried out by a FLS environment ranger for the return of the golden eagle pair as work within the exclusion zone was completed.
FLS Peatland Restoration Forester Isabelle Destor for the Glenelg area said:
“The site at Ardintoul is a good example of the multiple challenges faced and decisions that are taken as part of our peatland restoration efforts. The wellbeing of habitats and protected species is at the forefront of planning and activity.
“Dealing with storms and snow along with live power lines also highlight the ability to be adaptable is an essential part of getting the job done.
“Achieving a record mark for restoration is all about collaborative working with our planners, environment teams, harvesting and civil engineering teams to enable peatland restoration to happen. Also essential to the successful delivery of the project is effective communication between FLS staff and contractors.
“It has been the efforts from the various teams and the use of specialist techniques and machinery that has allowed us to set more peatland on the road to recovery through ‘re-wetting’ sites.”
The work completed by FLS is transforming damaged, carbon-emitting bogs into active sinks, storing carbon and aiding Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. It also re-establishes habitats that will improve biodiversity and water quality. The restoration has also supported rural employment by providing opportunities for locally based contractors and their teams.
Background
FLS is a key delivery partner for NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION Project – a partnership aiming to restore tens of thousands of hectares of forest to bog and improve a similar amount of existing blanket bog to peatland.
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot