Foresight’s project in Knock Fell, Galloway, Scotland, has received £87,375 from the Scottish Government’s Peatland ACTION fund, supported by NatureScot Peatland ACTION, to prevent the carbon-rich peatland from drying out and releasing 23,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
With Scotland’s net-zero target set for 20451, urgent action is being taken to restore degraded peatlands—one of the country’s most valuable natural carbon sinks. Healthy peatlands actively absorb carbon, with Scotland’s peat soils storing around 1600 million tonnes of carbon2. Beyond carbon storage, these waterlogged landscapes provide a rich habitat for diverse and often rare species, supporting Scotland’s biodiversity3.
Foresight began work in January to restore the Knock Fell peatland site, with key interventions including drain blocking, hagg reprofiling, and gully relandscaping. These efforts will return the dried peatland to its natural bog-like state, preventing further carbon loss and creating conditions for wildlife to thrive.
Foresight’s project in Knock Fell is expected to stabilise the ecosystem and prevent the release of approximately 23,000 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. Additionally, once peatland restoration and sustainable forestry measures are complete, a low-density grazing system with Galloway cattle will be introduced. This approach will enhance biodiversity and contribute to sustainable livestock breeding.
Robert Guest, Managing Director at Foresight, commented:
“We’re proud to be carrying out this peatland restoration project, which will restore vital habitats, improve water quality, and significantly cut carbon emissions. Currently, 15% of Scotland’s carbon emissions come from degraded peatlands and this project represents a cost-effective, nature-based solution to reverse that shocking statistic. We also plan to plant a diverse range of trees on an adjacent part of Knock Fell which will sequester carbon, create new habitats, and contribute to the home-grown timber supply. Appropriate deer management and a light grazing regime with cattle, will further enhance biodiversity and the health of the ecosystem. Our holistic approach in our stewardship of Knock Fell aligns with our commitment to natural capital investment—unlocking the land’s potential while ensuring environmental and economic sustainability.”
The focus of Peatland ACTION is to restore damaged peatlands in Scotland for the benefit of both people and nature. Peatland ACTION funding, delivered by a network of organisations, comes through the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan to net zero, which in 2020 set out a commitment to invest £250 million to support the restoration of a total of 250,000 hectares by 2030.
Peatland ACTION delivery is led by NatureScot in partnership with these supporting agencies: the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority, Scottish Water, and Forestry and Land Scotland.
Nick Halfhide, NatureScot Interim CEO, commented:
‘Restoring our peatlands offers a clear nature-based solution to the climate crisis by locking in carbon, enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality and mitigating flood risk.
Since 2012, NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION initiative has put more than 51,000 hectares of peatland on the road to recovery.
We are delighted that so many landowners, managers and communities have already seen the value of peatland restoration, and taken advantage of the opportunities Peatland ACTION funding offers to deliver positive change for their land. We hope that this will inspire many more to do the same.’
