Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is teaming up with Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) to enhance water quality, biodiversity and boost fish populations.

The partnership is aiming to restore 23 hectares of peatland as a forest to bog project at FLS managed Loch Moan in Galloway Forest.

The restoration of the site will improve the quality of the surrounding watercourses and fish habitat while also allowing peatland indicator species such as sphagnum mosses and cotton grasses to re-establish which benefits the wider ecosystem and food webs.

FLS’ peatland team will support GFT which will take the lead on the project design and works.

Where peatland restoration is unable to take place, there are plans to plant native species including Scots pine and broadleaf trees to further enhance the biodiversity of the area.

FLS Peatland Restoration Forester George Hemstock said:

“Peatland restoration is an integral part of our sustainable land management. This includes returning some of our forest plantation sites back to their natural state of a bog where appropriate and beneficial for nature and in the efforts to tackle climate change.

“FLS is working hard to restore and protect thousands of hectares of this valuable habitat and the ecosystems it supports. But to achieve this at a landscape scale, we need to work in partnership and alongside other organisations like the Galloway Fisheries Trust.

“We are looking forward to supporting and working with the trust to make a positive contribution to the environment, to biodiversity and water quality.”

The work will involve stump flipping and smoothing any furrows that were created for the planting of trees to allow water to be held within the site.

GFT Nature Restoration Project Manager Kacie Jess said:

“By removing the stumps, blocking the drains, and flattening the site, water will be held within the peat which will allow it to re-wet. This will reduce the impacts of carbon loss which increases climate resilience to the area.

“Restoring the peatland will also mitigate acidification within the surrounding watercourses which benefits aquatic ecosystems including invertebrate and fish populations.

“As well as playing an important role by improving fish habitat, storing carbon, slowing down water run-off and helping to remove pollutants, a healthy peatland ecosystem supports a wide variety of highly specialised flora and fauna, providing nesting grounds for birds and habitats for amphibians, mammals, and numerous rare insects.

“The aim of the GFT is to restore and maintain aquatic biodiversity, particularly native fish, in Galloway. This partnership with FLS to restore peatland around Loch Moan will support these aims and benefit the wider community.”

Any regenerating conifer trees and remaining brash from the harvesting work will be removed or used to create extra hibernacula – area for shelter – for reptiles such as adders and newts to protect themselves from predators and provide safe shelters for hibernation during the winter months.

The peatland restoration works are due to begin in late October 2025 with full peatland recovery taking upwards of 15-20 years. The Loch Moan site will be closely monitored to assess the condition of the peat.