Forest Carbon | Peatland Restoration Project in the Scottish Highlands

Forest Carbon at Cùl Mòr Peatland restoration

The Cùl Mòr restoration covers 91 ha of peatland owned by the Assynt Foundation, which is set up to make a community buy out of two estates in the northwest Highlands of Scotland. The project is located east of the Cùl Mòr mountain in Assynt, Coigach National Scenic Area. The restoration of this peatland will deliver significant environmental benefits, including reducing GHG emissions from the site.

A combination of bare peat re-vegetation, hag re-profiling, ditch blocking and drain blocking will allow the water table to rise and peat-forming plant species to re-colonise the area. These plants sequester carbon while they are alive and the waterlogged habitat prevents them from decomposing when they die, resulting in their carbon being stated as layers of peat.

About this project

Cùl Mòr lies within the Inverpolly Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Also within Assynt - Coigach National Scenic Area (NSA), North West Highlands Geopark. A combination of bare peat re-vegetation, hag re-profiling, ditch blocking and drain blocking will allow the water table to rise and peat-forming plant species to re-colonise the area. These plants sequester carbon while they are alive and the waterlogged habitat prevents them from decomposing when they die, resulting in their carbon being stated as layers of peat.

Species protection

The SAC is designated for both Otter (Lutra lutra) and Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera).

Drought resilience

The area will be able to store more water, with the flow into watercourses slowed. This will not only limit soil erosion during heavy rainfall, but will also increase the peatland’s resilience to future drought events, which are expected to become more frequent.

Improved aesthetic

Locals and visitors who enjoy walking up and around the mountain will enjoy an improved aesthetic as the restored peatland begins to function properly.