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Help Restore Shetland’s Peatland

Published: 20 July 2021

To coincide with International ‘Bog Day’ the Shetland Amenity Trust is inviting people to get involved with the restoration of an area of Shetland bogland on Sunday 25 July.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the valuable role peatlands play in tackling climate change and to take practical action in helping to protect these incredible carbon stores.

The Shetland Amenity Trust has been involved in peatland restoration for the past 7 years.

Sue White, Peatland Restoration officer said: “Healthy peatlands are huge carbon stores. However, damaged bogs dry out and release carbon into the atmosphere. One hectare of damaged peatland is emitting as much carbon dioxide as four to five family sized cars every year.  Restoration of eroding gullies, hags and bare peat has been carried out at the site at Girlsta by specialist contractors over the last two years. The work has been funded by ‘Peatland Action’. The final part of the process is to transplant bog vegetation such as Sphagnum moss, which is one of the main peat forming plants, onto the restored bog. 

 “This Sunday is an opportunity for folk to see some of the peatland work we have been doing, and add the finishing touches to the site, spend the afternoon literally immersing themselves in nature knowing that they are making a real difference in the restoration of an area of peatland and reversing the carbon dioxide losses.”

The event will take place from 2.00pm – 5.00pm and refreshments will be available from Isla’s catering van.

No experience is necessary, just a willingness to do some practical peatland conservation work and mitigate climate change.

The site is a 15 minute walk from the public road over rough ground. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential, and a bucket would be helpful.

Participants can meet opposite the Old Girlsta Chapel on the Girlsta- Strom road. View Google Maps link here