Braemore & Langwell Phase 1
Highland
Added on 18/12/2024
Overview
Description
The Braemore and Langwell Phase 1 peatland restoration project, near Berriedale, Caithness, is restoring 136.29 hectares of degraded blanket bog within the globally significant Flow Country, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast expanse of peatland is one of the most important carbon stores in the world and a critical habitat for biodiversity. The project falls within several major conservation sites, including the Causeymire and Knockfin Flows Wild Land Area, Knockfin Heights Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Protection Area (SPA), and the Berriedale and Langwell Water Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This 100-year initiative addresses severe peatland degradation, tackling erosion features such as hags, gullies, and bare peat to transform the landscape into a thriving ecosystem. Restoration techniques include hag reprofiling, peat dams, gully blocking, and surface bunding, which raise the water table and encourage sphagnum moss growth—essential for new peat formation. Additional interventions, such as micro-erosion repair and shallow pool creation, further enhance biodiversity and stabilise the hydrology. Situated in one of the world’s most extensive blanket bogs, the project plays a crucial role in supporting iconic species such as golden eagles, strengthening ecological resilience, and preventing carbon loss. By reducing over 13,000 tCO2e in emissions, it significantly contributes to climate change mitigation. Adhering to the Peatland Code, the initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly climate action (SDG 13) and life on land (SDG 15), highlighting the global importance of The Flow Country’s peatlands in combating climate change and conserving Scotland’s natural heritage.
Location
Scotland
Area characteristics:
Total Forecast Emission Reduction:
32,030 tCO2e
| Verification year | Number of units (tCO2e) | Unit type | Validation and Verification Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2030 | 1,601 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2040 | 3,203 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2050 | 3,204 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2060 | 3,203 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2070 | 3,203 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2080 | 3,202 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2090 | 3,203 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2100 | 3,204 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2110 | 3,202 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2120 | 3,203 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
| March 2125 | 1,602 | Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) | Soil Association |
Braemore & Langwell Phase 1
Diggers on the ground
Scale: 185 hectares
Forecast Emission Reduction:
32,030 tCO2e
32,030 tCO2e