Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA - CABB
Introduction
The project was launched in 2017 and objectives for Muirkirk and North Lowther include peatland restoration on both RSPB managed land (Airds Moss) and privately-owned land, habitat management and demonstration on RSPB managed land and advisory to upland land managers.
Description
This is an upland site with the majority of the SPA privately managed for agriculture, typically sheep grazing. Large sections of the moorland are SNH Priority 1 peatland of national importance and over 70% of the SPA blanket bog has been modified through gripping or erosion.
Project Aims
We aim to restore forested peatland at RSPB Airds Moss, and in partnership with farmers land managers, peatland on estates and farms.
Site Activity
In 2017 we commenced peatland vegetation habitat management at Airds Moss.
Our partners
Two of our key partners are CEI (East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative) and Mine Restoration Ltd., and we are bulding partnerships and working agreements with estates and tenant farmers who have ground within the SPA.
Project Name: Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA - CABB
Organisation / Lead partner: RSPB
Location: East Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, South Lanarkshire
Approximate area covered: 26000 ha
Conservation Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA)
Predominately: Upland
Peat Habitats: Blanket bog, Upland heath
Project Type: Restoration, Management
Year Project Began: 2017
