Peatland restoration proposed for Shetland reserve

A large peatland restoration project could take place at one of Shetland's flagship nature reserves.

NatureScot is looking to appoint a consultant to undertake a peatland restoration feasibility study across much of Hermaness NNR at the northern tip of Unst. The contractor would assess potential peatland restoration on the large site and use the results to produce a restoration management plan.

NatureScot is looking to appoint a consultant to undertake a peatland restoration feasibility study across much of Hermaness NNR (VisitScotland).

It is understood that some 500 ha of peatland would be assessed. NatureScot's Juan Brown said the organisation will work closely with local graziers and land managers before any peatland restoration work is taken forward.

"Eroding peatland is a significant contributor to Shetland's carbon emissions, and peatland restoration – by, for example blocking erosion gullies and re-profiling of peat haggs – is an effective way to contribute to climate change mitigation," he explained.

Hermaness is one of two NatureScot national nature reserves in Shetland, the other being the island of Noss. The Hermaness project comes through the Peatland ACTION scheme, which aims to improve the condition of degraded peatland in Scotland.