The GCV Green Network, supported by NatureScot’s Peatland Action Fund, has appointed a new Project Officer (Giulia Spilotros) to lead our recently launched Clyde Peatlands initiative.
This is a really exciting addition to the Green Network team and will help bring about a step change in the extent and rate of peatland restoration across Glasgow City Region (GCR), contributing to national targets.
Peatland restoration is a nature-based solution helping tackle both the climate and ecological crises. Healthy bogs can lock up and store large amounts of carbon and can help prevent flooding by storing and slowly releasing water. Peatlands are also a unique habitat and home to a vast array of plants and animals.
Peatland such as this (above) will be restored across the whole City Region.
Unfortunately, around 80% of our peatlands are in poor condition and are actually emitting carbon rather than storing it. The new officer will target priority locations and support local authority partners with undertaking feasibility studies, design of remediation works, procurement, funding applications and on-site project management. Peatland ACTION currently provide up to 100% funding for on-the-ground restoration activities.
We’ve already identified an initial suite of projects in Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow with discussions underway across the other four GCR authorities.
The post is initially funded for two years and in that time we are hopeful we can demonstrate that we’re bringing real value to partners, addressing the climate and biodiversity challenges we face and helping our funders meet their targets, and that the post will be extended.
To learn more about this project click here: www.clydepeatlands.co.uk or follow us @GCVGreenNetwork @ClydePeatlands