Peatland restoration
There will be positive outcomes for water quality and biodiversity
PLANS have been lodged with council bosses for the restoration an area of peatland near Muirkirk.
The peatland, described as drained and degraded, is located within the Garpel Estate in the Muirkirk Uplands, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).
The site is home to breeding birds such as the hen harrier, short-eared owl, merlin, peregrine and golden plover.
Having permitted development rights, applicant Peatland ACTION Project has made a prior notification application to East Ayrshire Council.
Planners will determine whether the work requires prior approval from the council.
A supporting statement continues: “The primary aim of restoration will be to reduce the rate of erosion and peat loss by slowing the flow of water through the existing drainage network and eroded hags and gullies.
“The restoration proposed will return the blanket bog to a more natural condition by stopping the erosion of peat, regulating the flow of water and raising the water table, thus encouraging peat forming vegetation to thrive.
“There will be positive outcomes for water quality and regulation, biodiversity and natural carbon storage.
“Restoration of this area will also
enhance the existing landscape and benefit surrounding wildlife and communities.”
The restoration is being undertaken by the Peatland ACTION Project.
The peatland is also home to some significant archaeology, including a Roman road along the north-eastern boundary.
However, it is outside the project boundary and would not be disturbed, according to the applicant.
A number of historic finds have been made in the area, including an old anvil, spearhead and farmstead.
The spearhead is now held by the National Museum of Scotland while the anvil is no longer on site. The report states that the farmstead remains are avoidable during the restoration.
The application’s supporting statement adds: “It is accepted that peatland restoration has a net positive
impact on archaeology as healthy peatlands preserve artefacts.
“This project should contribute positively to any potentially undiscovered archaeology in the area.”
The applicant says that one of the benefits of peatland restoration is to reduce the impact of downstream flooding.
The area features a number of watercourses which are described as having a high likelihood of flooding.
The report explains: “Peatland restoration, such as blocking and reprofiling of drainage channels, helps to reduce the rate of overland flow pathways by slowing water movement.
“Restoring peatlands in the upper catchments of rivers can have positive effects on flooding, water quality and fisheries further downstream.”
Restoration will prevent further erosion and return the peat soils to a more natural state.