The Future Forest Company is committed to removing CO2 from the atmosphere, restoring habitats and improving biodiversity. For example, it is implementing a holistic land management plan on its Glenaros Estate. As well as restoring the peatlands, it is planting tens of thousands of native trees, protecting and expanding the Atlantic hazel forest, practising regenerative agriculture and providing access and accommodation for visitors and locals. As a commercial company, it says it specialises in putting its passion and expertise into action - a great demonstration of how land management can benefit business and the environment.
The peatland restoration project was motivated by The Future Forest Company's aim to restore and protect native habitats while sequestering carbon in the soil. The Glenaros Peatland ACTION-funded project has put over 30ha of blanket bog on the road to recovery. Working with experienced contractors to block and re-profile ditches, the aim is to conserve this valuable habitat for future generations. The project is also being registered and validated by The Peatland Code to verify CO2e savings over the life of the project. Deer and livestock numbers will be controlled and minimised to give the restoration the best chance of success and to follow a model of land management that puts nature and climate first and, where possible, provides access and information for locals and visitors.
The challenge of working in a wild winter on a remote island had to be overcome by The Future Forest Company's experienced contractors, Highland Conservation. A large area of peatland was surveyed and much of it was found to be in reasonable condition. To ensure that the restoration work was properly targeted, the final work area was surveyed and planned by FFC's in-house peatland project manager, with funding and technical advice provided by Peatland ACTION.
The Future Forest Company says it aims to deliver benefits for nature, people and the climate. The peatland restoration project is part of a holistic approach to land management that puts nature and people at the centre. It says it aims to provide local employment wherever possible and to promote access to the land for locals and visitors alike. The Glenaros Estate is home to a variety of wildlife, including hen harriers on the peat bogs. The company says it intends to protect this beautiful habitat in perpetuity.
The Future Forest Company is working with local groups on Mull to try and bring as much benefit to the community as possible. Their Head of Ecology, Lindsay McKinlay, has led walks for the Mull Wildlife Group and given talks about their work. The Mull & Iona Ranger Service is currently carrying out aquatic invertebrate surveys on the River Aros and Lindsay has given training on herbivore impact assessment to the local Community Forest Group. She is currently in discussion with the Mull & Iona Community Trust about the future use of FFC land for a possible community housing project. It has also invited other island estates to visit its peatland restoration work to encourage others to restore peatland on their own estates.