Peatland restoration project boosts wildlife and climate resilience

Network Rail, in partnership with Forth Rivers Trust and NatureScot, has completed a major project to restore 273 hectares of peatland.

The work, at Knoxfauld Farm north of Dunblane, will support flood management, improve wildlife habitats and increase climate resilience.

Specialist teams worked with Forth Rivers Trust and local farmer, Vince Janse, to restore the site by blocking drainage channels and reshaping parts of the landscape, helping to retain more water and restore natural peatland processes.

Over the next 100 years, the restored peatland is expected to store around 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, while providing valuable habitat for wildlife and helping to slow the flow of water through the landscape during periods of heavy rainfall.

The project forms part of Network Rail’s wider efforts to tackle climate change and reduce the potential risk of flooding on the railway.

It also supports a regional target from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to create and improve habitats, reflecting Network Rail’s responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment.

With climate change expected to bring more frequent extreme weather, nature-based solutions such as peatland restoration will play an important role in helping the railway adapt while creating more space for wildlife to thrive and supporting local communities.

James Morrison, head of sustainability and social value at Network Rail, said: “This project shows the value of working in partnership to restore our natural environment. Healthy peatlands play an important role in storing carbon, supporting biodiversity and managing water naturally across the landscape.

“We’re committed to finding practical ways to tackle climate change and build a more resilient railway. Working with Forth Rivers Trust on the restoration of Knoxfauld Farm peatland is a great example of how nature-based solutions can deliver lasting benefits for both the environment and the communities we serve.”

Charlotte Neary, project manager Forth Rivers Trust, commented: “Healthy peatlands are one of our most valuable natural habitats, storing carbon, increasing climate resilience, and providing a home for rare wildlife. The results of this project were visible within weeks, with dragonflies, amphibians and native bog plants already thriving in newly restored habitats. The project is a powerful example of how partnership working between a family run farm, environmental organisations, and an infrastructure provider, can deliver lasting benefits for nature, climate and local communities.”

The project was made possible through a combination of partner funding, including support from the Horizon 2020 ‘MERLIN’ project through NatureScot.

Image credit: Network Rail