Three lowland raised bogs will be restored as part of Butterfly Conservation Scotland’s new project entitled ‘Lanarkshire’s Large Heaths and Mosses – Restoring Precious Peatlands’.
The project will focus on a cluster of peatland sites to the northeast of Lanark in South Lanarkshire. The work, which will include ditch-damming, forestry brash clearance and invasive scrub removal, will be carried out by specialist contractors and volunteers over the next year.
The Lanarkshire’s Large Heaths and Mosses project is funded by WREN’s FCC Scottish Action Fund, through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and EcoCoLIFE for the restoration of the three bogs that total over 200 hectares in area.
The restoration work will also benefit species such as the large heath butterfly, which is endemic to peatland habitats. Butterfly Conservation’s research has shown that its UK range has decreased by 58% since 1976 with the primary causes of the decline due to the peatland habitat fragmentation and degradation. Surveys have revealed that the large heath butterfly is present on several mosses within the project area and the upcoming restoration works will help to protect and strengthen these local colonies.
During the project there will also be work to improve public access to Braehead Moss (see photo) by upgrading an existing path through the woodland fringe. There will also be opportunities for the local community to get involved through volunteer work parties and butterfly surveys.
Local constituency MSP and Large Heath Species Champion Aileen Campbell, said:
"Restoring peatlands can really enhance the environment for communities so I’m pleased to launch the lowlands project here in Lanarkshire.
“Open space access improvements, carbon storage and flood prevention are some key benefits of peat restoration.
“The upcoming mosses work can help reduce emissions and will regenerate wildlife habitats including that of the rare Large Heath Butterfly.”
