Restoring the natural peatlands of the Forsinard Flows nature reserve with RSPB Scotland.

Many peatland habitats are damaged and therefore vulnerable to changes in climate such as warmer temperatures and periods of dry weather. Restoration of damaged peatland back to a healthy condition is important if these habitats are to provide a steady flow of services to people, including wildlife to enjoy, carbon storage, water storage, recreation and employment.

RSPB Scotland is actively involved in the restoration of damaged blanket bog at its Forsinard Flows nature reserve.

Drains and ditches have been blocked across Forsinard to raise the water table and enable the bog surface to re-vegetate and new peat to form. Trees in forestry plantations have also been removed.

The work has attracted wading birds, such as golden plovers, and breeding birds like hen harriers, short-eared owl and meadow pipits are returning to the areas previously covered by trees. Restoration has increased the resilience of the habitat and ensured it can withstand periods of dry weather and warmer temperatures.

The above image was sourced from www.geograph.org.uk © Copyright Greg Fitchett and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.