Wag Peatland Restoration

Introduction

The site was originally mechanically drained in the 1960's to 'improve' the land for agriculture (sheep farming). The land forms the upper catchment of the Langwell Water and flow regimes have been modified by the drainage which is likely having a negative impact on the SAC for Atlantic Salmon. The negative impacts include modification to flow regimes and the introduction of actively eroding peat to the river. pH spikes are liable to casue difficulties for juvenile salmonids and invertebrate prey species they depend upon to thrive. This Project was funded by the Peatland Action Fund

Description

Mostly gently sloping open moorland with some steeper slopes; predominantly blanket bog / wet heath. Peat depths varying from 30cm to several metres.

Project Aims

Restoring Hydrology and reducing pollution in the Langwell & Berriedale Waters SAC (designated for Atlantic Salmon populations). Reducing erosion of peatland and re-wetting peatland in order that it's capacity to store and accumulate carbon is restored / improved.

Restoration Delivered

101.896 km of drain blocking and re-profiling. 3.136 km of hag edge re-profiling

Site Activity

Drains were blocked using peat dams and hag edges were re-profiled all using a 360 excavators with low ground pressure bog tracks.

{"zoom":15,"lat":58.2093362,"lon":-3.693242,"markers":{"0":{"lat":58.210643419,"lon":-3.685431426}}}

Project Name: Wag Peatland Restoration

Organisation / Lead partner: Langwell & Braemore Estates

Location: Wag, Berriedale, Caithness, KW7 6HD

Approximate area covered: 963 ha

Conservation Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), RAMSAR site, Natura 2000

Predominately: Upland

Peat Habitats: Blanket bog

Project Type: Restoration, Research

Year Project Began: 2017

Project End Date: 2019

    Scientist taking scientific measurements in peatland. Credit Emma Hinchliffe
    Please give 10 minutes of your time to help answer the question: Is palaeoecological research utilised in UK peatland restoration projects? Can you complete a short survey on the extent to which palaeoecological research is utilised in UK…
    Group of people stood in an open peatland landscape
    Muirburn licencing made law in ScotlandScotland’s peatlands will benefit from increased protection due to a new law passed on 21st March…
    Molinia Mulching Agglestone Mire, remover higher tussocks to increase the connectivity of the floodplain (c) Sally Wallington
    Dorset peatland restorationThe Dorset Peat Partnership completed the first of their sixteen peatland restoration sites in…
    Work begins at Duchal Moor. © Giulia Spilotros/Glasgow Green Network Clyde Valley
    Council leads the way with major peatland restoration project A three-year project to restore an area of peatland larger than 780 football pitches in Inverclyde…
    Eyes on the Bog logo
    Funding for Eyes on the Bog users Our Eyes on the Bog Fund aims to support existing Eyes on the Bog users to purchase new equipment,…
    Forest to Bog Restoration cover image and example spread
    New report showcases successes in forest to bog restoration'Forest to Bog Restoration: Demonstrating Success', the fourth publication the series, highlights…
    Sphagnum pulchrum © Brian Eversham
    Don't miss our 'Measuring biodiversity: from principles to practice' webinar!Join the IUCN UK Peatland Programme for this free webinar as we explore traditional and…
    Sphagnum lindbergii (c) Emma Hinchliffe
    Introducing our species showcasesThroughout 2024, we are celebrating peatland biodiversity through a series of monthly showcases…
    Emperor moth (C) Pete Quinn
    Come and volunteer with us!We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Communications Volunteer who can help us with our…
    Snowdon (c) Marian Pye
    Fill in the PeatQuest Survey to shape global peatland researchThe PeatQuest Research Project team are inviting you to participate in their global survey, as your…
    Peter Jones
    New Year Honours for peatland specialistNatural Resources Wales’ senior peatland specialist, Dr Peter Jones, has been awarded an MBE for…
    Saltyco Engine Farm Paludiculture trials (C) E Hinchliffe
    Paludiculture call for evidence for Peatland CodePlease fill in our survey! We are inviting evidence for all paludiculture sites and all crop types…