Walk & Talk: Peatland Restoration at Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate
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Buccleuch and the Crichton Carbon Centre have formed a great partnership; beginning in 2017 when they began working together to understand more about the peatlands and culminating in the commissioning of a detailed study and report about the peatland coverage across the Scottish estates.
Buccleuch has undertaken an intensive exercise, mapping areas of potential deep peat. The detailed report encompasses information which will be used within their wider land use strategy, with a programme of restoration and biodiversity enhancement being planned for the next decade and beyond. It will assist with the development of a peatland restoration and management programme for the areas of deep peat (>50cm) on the estates, which will enhance their carbon storage capabilities, together with their wider environmental benefits. There were thirty-one potential projects identified on the estates (19 on in-hand land and two of which been completed/ one is in development).
Buccleuch has undertaken peatland restoration on areas of the estates under Peatland ACTION that are also being registered under the Peatland Code.
- Lowther Hills I - 150ha at Queensberry Estate
- 2.3ha at Roan Fell on the Langholm Moor, which was incredibly complex and has been used to inform plans for wider restoration in the area
- Lowther Hills II – 44 ha
- Bellybought Hill – 85ha scheduled for January to March 2024
A second phase of restoration, Lowther Hills II was completed in December 2022 and included a ‘mentoring programme’ for future contractors run by the Crichton Carbon Centre. This was the first of its kind in Scotland. Eight attendees were given the opportunity to gain experience/ upskill for manual peatland restoration; investing in the future and in line with the Scottish Government’s ambition to enhance skills in this area.
Members are warmly invited to join this Walk & Talk event, which will look at key sites where restoration has been completed and visit Lowther Hills III, which will be undergoing restoration. There will be the opportunity to look at and discuss the various restoration techniques employed.
Key elements of the project which participants will see and discuss during the full day programme:
- Background to the collaborative working between Buccleuch and the Crichton Carbon Centre and the historical land management context.
- The various stages of the restoration process from feasibility through to post restoration.
- Restoration delivery and the various techniques used to restore an eroded site – how techniques have been refined over time in response to local conditions.
- Options for financing – Peatland ACTION, Private Investment.
- The benefits – from biodiversity net gain to improved water quality and many more.
We will be hosted by Anna Fergusson, Estate Director at Queensberry Estate, Adrian Dolby, Buccleuch’s Head of Agriculture and Dr Emily Taylor, General Manager, Crichton Carbon Centre.
Afternoon session (in the Drumlanrig Training Centre) – presentations & discussions. There will be contributions from:
- Peatland ACTION.
- Nathan Bryceland, SLE’s Policy Adviser (Biodiversity and Woodlands).
- Crichton Carbon Centre
Followed by facilitated discussion and networking.
Additional event information:
Meeting point:
We’ll gather at Drumlanrig Training Centre from 09.30 with a view to starting promptly at 10.00. It’s at the far end of the car park near the castle wall. Electric car charging is available.
Tea and coffee will be available on arrival.
Address: Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, DG3 4AQ
Format of the event
The Walk & Talk will open with a short introduction to Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate and the peatland restoration projects before we head up to the restoration site in the hills above Durisdeer in 4WD vehicles.
There will be some walking (10 minutes) to get to Carsehope Middens.
From the peatland restoration site, we will travel to a nearby bothy for lunch (kindly provided by Buccleuch) or return to Drumlanrig for lunch (TBC).
There will be further presentations and discussions after lunch back at the Drumlanrig Training Centre.
Draft programme:
09.30-10.00 - Gather at Drumlanrig Training Centre/ tea & coffee
10.00-10.30 - Briefing – background to the peatland restoration schemes at Buccleuch
10.30-11.00 - Depart for Carsehope Middens/ arrive on site
11:00-12:00 - Walk & Talk at peatland restoration sites
12:45-13:30 - Lunch
13:30-15:30 - Afternoon presentations and Q&A
15:30 - Close
Other information: The morning session will take place outdoors, on the hill, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.
The roads on the site are quite challenging, so Buccleuch are providing the transport from Drumlanrig (hence the limited numbers). Only drivers who are competent in driving off-road in low gear and have suitable vehicles will be permitted to bring their own vehicle (please check with George about this).
Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.
This event is kindly sponsored by
