Walk & Talk: Peatland Restoration at Urlar Estate near Aberfeldy

Urlar Estate, purchased by the Oxford Endowment Fund in 2020 is undergoing a change from a dedicated driven grouse moor, to an area focussed on Nature Based Solutions. Part of this work extends to the restoration of eroded peatland features. The single phase restoration is repairing 349Ha of peatland, with 17km of hag reprofiling and 57km of dam and reprofiling.

The site at Urlar includes a variety of different restoration features, including actively eroding hags/gullies, bare peat, as well as artificial drains. At this point in the project, it will be possible to see restoration methods used to reprofile hags and gullies, as well as newer techniques used for drain blocking. It will provide the opportunity see restoration taking place, albeit from a safe distance.

Caledonian Climate Partners, who carried out the initial site survey and subsequently designed and now manage the project, will be on hand to answer any questions, including how the project is integrated into the Peatland Code. Savills will discuss the practical integration of the project into estate management and the implications and considerations for landowners and managers. A Peatland ACTION project officer will also be present to discuss the funding/application process.

Peatland Restoration

Members are warmly invited to join this Walk & Talk event, which will look at sites pre, during and post restoration with a chance to look at and discuss the various restoration techniques employed:

Key elements of the project which participants will see and discuss during the morning programme:

• Background to Urlar Estate and the present custodians of the estate, the peatland restoration project and the archaeological issues faced
• The various stages of the restoration process from feasibility through to post restoration
• The restoration contractor and the various techniques used to restore an eroded site – how techniques have evolved over time
• Options for financing – Peatland ACTION, Private Investment
• The benefits – from biodiversity net gain to improved water quality and many more

Additional event information:

Meeting point:

We’ll gather at Aberfeldy Town Hall in the Lesser Hall from 09:30 with a view to starting promptly at 10:00. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival.  

Address: Aberfeldy Town Hall, 2 Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2BJ.

Format of the event

The Walk & Talk will open with a short introduction to Urlar Estate and the peatland restoration project before we head up to the restoration site in a smaller number of 4WD vehicles.

We will look at several sites across the area which are all easily accessible from good tracks. There will be some walking - not too challenging. All sites are within a short walking distance of the tracks.

From the peatland restoration site we will return to Aberfeldy Town Hall for a light lunch followed by the afternoon session of presentations and discussion.

The programme will close at 15:30.

Draft programme

Other information: The morning session will take place outdoors, on the hill, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.

Date: 29 November 2023

Time: 09:30 - 15:30

This event is sponsored by