Peatland Restoration Opportunities at Knoxfauld Farm

Sandra and Niall from the Allan Water Project were out visiting a peatbog near Knoxfauld looking at some potential new peatland restoration. Previously, a lot of peat was drained to create better agricultural land but this had a detrimental impact on the river catchments as water runs off the land faster than if the peatbog was healthy and functioning how it should.

Through a number of projects, we have been working with landowners to block these drains and keep the peatlands wet for longer. The farmer (Vince and his son Calum) are keen to help restore this habitat back to how it should be. This will help trap carbon, slow the flow of water entering rivers but also keeps the land wet for longer which can help during these prolonged dry spells we are having.

Sandra and Niall found some big, deep drains which a few peat dams will help block and we are discussing options with the landowner. An array of bog plants were also found. Everything from sundew, cranberry, sphagnum, crowberry, cloudberry, cowberry and much more were present and even though restoration to improve the habitat is needed, the diversity of species was encouraging to see.