Support for Peatland in the Scottish draft Budget 2013-2014

The Scottish Government published its draft budget for 2013-2014 last week and this includes specific mention of peatlands as a valuable part of Scotland’s economy.  Investment in peatland restoration has been identified as a priority, which will  bring benefits for water quality, biodiversity and climate change.  IUCN UK Peatland Programme Director, Clifton Bain welcomed the announcement as a positive move which will help the environment and save money by reducing the long term costs to society from damaged peatlands.

More information is available on the Scottish Government's website

Windfarm Habitat Management presentation

I gave this presentation at the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership Conference today.

The proposal I made that greater advantage should be taken from the large and increasing area of land under Habitat Management Plans was echoed by several other speakers.

There was also an emphasis on peatland and carbon management from other speakers.

GWCT Snare & Predator Control Training

Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s advisory services will be hosting a series of bespoke snare training and other predator control best practice days throughout Scotland for those who manage the countryside.  More details

IUCN World Conservation Congress, Jeju, Korea

Follow this link to see an outcomes and priorities statement from the Peatland Restoration workshop that took place on 7 September as part of the IUCN World Conservation Congress.

It is clear from this that there is top level support for peatlands: Julia Marton Lefevre, Director General, IUCN said, “Peatland conservation is a prime example of a nature-based solution to climate change but we urgently need to switch from aspiration to action to secure the benefits that peatlands provide.”  Or in other words, we know what to do, lets see some action.  Hear, hear! 

National Access Forum - Convenor

The National Access Forum in Scotland is looking for a new Convenor to replace Richard Cooke.  Deadline for nominations is 28 September.  Contact the Forum Secretary: Mark Wrightham, 01463 725316, mark.wrightham@snh.gov.uk

"Research in the Flow Country" conference: 23-25 October

The Environmental Research Institute is hosting a peatlands conference in Thurso 23-25 October - "Research in the Flow Country: Linking Science to Society".  More details are available on the website. 

I am disappointed that I cannot attend but in addition to learning about developments in peatland research, the conference offers an opportunity to visit the Flow Country.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change

The Forum would like to welcome Paul Wheelhouse MSP, as the Minister for Environment and Climate Change.  An invitation will be extended to the Minister to meet Forum members to learn about our work in the upland and moorland areas of Scotland at the earliest opportunity.

The Minister's biography can be viewed on the Scottish Government's website.