Four-fifths of the nation’s peatland could be leaking greenhouse gases
FOUR-FIFTHS of Scotland’s peatland is damaged and could be leaking greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, Scottish Natural Heritage has warned.
Peatland, which covers about a fifth of Scotland’s landscape, stores carbon dioxide, sustains vegetation and is also a vital source of water for the country’s whisky industry.
But SNH claims about 70 per cent of blanket bog and 90 per cent of raised bog is damaged, causing it to leak carbon rather than store it.
T he b o dy ha s now published a national peatland plan to try to protect, manage and restore the resource.
SNH chairman Ian Ross said: “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.
“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.”
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 that 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 heart- ened by the significant roles being played by land managers and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) in improving the state of our peatlands.”
The publication of the plan follows the minister’s statement on Scotland’s greenhouse gas targets in which the Scottish Government committed a fur ther £3 million for peatland restoration this year.