Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA - CABB

Introduction

The CABB 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 engagement with 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 previously forested peatland at RSPB Airds Moss, and in partnership with farmers and land managers, SPA peatland on estates and farms.

Restoration Delivered

Shiel Farm – 27ha of previously forested peatland at RSPB Airds Moss restored through stump flipping and ditch blocking. Funded through the CABB project.

Tardoes – a 2 phase restoration of 825ha, involving ditch blocking and reprofiling works. Funded by Peatland ACTION.

Weatherhill and Kyle Farm – 48ha and 77ha respectively, restored through ditch blocking and reprofiling works. Funded through the CABB project.

Site Activity

Since 2017 we have been undertaking annual peatland vegetation management at Airds Moss to reduce Molinia dominance and improve sward structure for breeding Curlew and other bird species.

Our partners

Two of our key partners are CEI (East Ayrshire Coalfield Environment Initiative) and Mines Restoration Ltd., and we have been building partnerships and working agreements with estates and tenant farmers who have ground within the SPA.
 

{"zoom":6,"lat":55.523464,"lon":-4.0663969,"markers":{"0":{"lat":55.523464,"lon":-4.0663969}}}

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

    Buchan Bog Buddies
    Buchan Bog Buddies The RSPB and Aberdeenshire Rangers have been working with P6/P7 classes at New Pitsligo and…
    Global Peatlands Initiative
    Global Peatlands Initiative project: State of the Worlds Peatlands On the 17th of November 2022, at the UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, the Global Peatlands…
    Area of Dartmoor undergoing restoration methods, January 2023
    South West Peatland Partnership: Counting sheep to help restore peat across the UK's South WestPeatland restoration isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes a range of innovative techniques…
    Birchinlee (c) Moors for the Future Partnership
    Moors for the Future Partnership releases series of scientific and monitoring reports from MoorLIFE 2020 projectIn September 2022, MoorLIFE 2020, the landmark project which had been the focus of much of the work…
    Sphagnum moss regrowth rewards the peatland restoration action undertaken by NPAP at Tywi Forest
    Wales Peatland Action By mid-2022 National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP) could reflect on a successful initial two…
    Cuilcagh Mountain after restoration work
    Ulster Wildlife webinar: Lessons learned: 20+ years on from blanket bog restoration at Cuilcagh MountainJoin Ulster Wildlife, RPS Ireland and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to discuss what…
    Peatland code version 2.0
    Launch of the Peatland Code Version 2.0The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has today launched a new and highly anticipated update to the…
    Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop
    Save the Date: Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’Hosted by National Trust Marsden Moor, the ‘Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’…
    Demonstrating Success cover art
    Peat-free Horticulture Addendum: Further case studies released This addendum to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's 'Demonstrating Success - Peat-free Horticulture'…
    England Peat Map team at Winmarleigh Moss
    Working Towards a Peat Data StandardThe England Peat Map project is mapping the extent, depth and condition of England’s peat. Find out…
    Cors Caron Copywrite Drew Buckley Photography
    Conference 2022 - Registration closedRegistration for this year's IUCN UK Peatland Programme conference taking place live in Aberystwyth…
    Mar Estate © Mark Nicolson
    100 Project Milestone for the Peatland CodeThe Peatland Code now has 100 projects registered under the UK La