Assessing the feasibility of restoring peatland in Scotland
Pristine peatland environments are important ecosystems in Scotland and help to mitigate climate change impacts by sequestering carbon. However, when peatland degrades, it can lose its ecosystem value and release carbon into the atmosphere.
The relatively poor condition of most of Scotlandβs two million hectares of peatland has led Scottish National Heritage to develop a project funded by the Scottish Government called Peatland ACTION. The project aims to target areas for restoration that will make the most significant difference. As a part of this work, the Black Mount Deer Management Group required a feasibility study of its land.
RSK was commissioned to undertake this study to identify areas in which peat restoration might be viable. The study area encompassed at least 17 individual estates and afforested areas managed by Forestry and Land Scotland: an area of 34,000 ha of the Scottish Highlands.
The study comprised a desk-based screening exercise of the area using multiple mapping resources and aerial photography to highlight potential sites for further investigation and to exclude infeasible areas.
Following the screening exercise, selective surveying was conducted to identify suitable areas for restoration. This included peat probing; a peatland condition assessment with photographic evidence; a baseline hydrological assessment; an assessment of the extent of erosional features and drainage characteristics; an assessment of the crop characteristics for potential marketable value estimates on afforested sites; and a targeted herbivore impact assessment.
RSK delivered a management report for the Black Mount Deer Management Groupβs area that outlined the results of the desk-based screening and surveys, and included mapping of the restoration potential using GIS. This was followed by a discussion of the potential restoration sites ranked in order of priority with consideration of the required restoration techniques, the potential constraints and the indicative implementation costs. A summary of the identified opportunities was provided along with a suggested work programme to support any future funding applications.
- Location: Scotland
- Client: Black Mount Deer Management Group
- Project status: Complete
- Sector: National Organisations
- Service: Climate Change
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π’ Will regenerative design be key in building a resilient future?
ποΈ In the first article of our new series Cities of Tomorrow, our panel explores what role regenerative design plays in forming a framework for our cities of tomorrow.
π The conversation was hosted by Andrew Tempany, Technical Director at @stephensonhalliday
Read more in our bio!
#Architecture #Design #Development #Sustainability #Sustainable #Environment
π We are proud to share that RSK Group is a finalist for the annual @britchamsg Singapore Award 2022 under the Sustainability Champion of the Year category.
β We are thrilled to see the hard work of our dedicated teams being recognised by this prestigious organization.
π The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony that will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on October 13th
#Sustainability #Awards #Sustainable #Event #Environment #Environmental
π’ RSK Group is delighted to announce that we are one of the sponsors of the Ground Source Heat Pump Associationβs conference and charity dinner.
π€ The Conference is an opportunity to gain insight into the heat pump installation industry, through a series of coordinated expert panel sessions, presentations, and networking opportunities.
π Geocore Site Investigations Ltd, Ground Heat, ZED and Carbon Zero Consulting will be attending this event.
We canβt wait to see you there!
π
30th September 2022
π The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Skipton
#Energy #Heating #GroundSourceHeatPumps #HeatPumps #Event #Conference #GroundHeat
πΈ #selfiesonsite π€³
Some great pictures from the @StructuralSoils team in action at Merthyr
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities π www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #construction #engineering
π’ RSK Tanzania is proud to host NICOLA β CONNECT, organized by the Network for Industrially Contaminated Land in Africa.
π€ NICOLA β CONNECT provides a platform for social and technical interaction between members of NICOLA, and professionals interested in Contaminated Land or associated fields, in a casual setting.
π
5th October 2022
π Golden Tulip Hotel, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kindly RSVP to hkimario@ rsk.co.uk ASAP to reserve your seat.
To call for enquiries, contact: +255 719 697 323
We look forward to seeing you there!
#Tanzania #Event #ContaminatedLand #Africa #Land #Environment #Environmental
π€ Society is moving towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
ποΈ Our cities sit at the centre of this modern world: they grow and change as we do.
π€ As we face unprecedented challenges today, how will our cities evolve to serve our needs in the future?
π RSKβs Cities of Tomorrow series explores the sustainable solutions available to us to create resilient and future-proof urban centres.
Stay tuned to find out more!
#Sustainability #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Environment #Environmental #Sustainable
π’ We are pleased to announce that Spencer Group has joined the #RSKFamily
π€ Spencer Group comprises land management and environmental services specialists Spencer Environmental Care Associates (ECA) and geo-technical contractors and consultants Quantum Geotechnic.
Find out more in our bio!
#Environmental #Land #LandManagement #Environment #Sustainability #Geotechnical
π As we return to offices, how we commute to work will play an important role in our ambitions to achieve net zero targets.
π€ Businesses play a crucial part in facilitating action towards these goals.
π In this edition of our series Climate Realities, Ian Wickett, Senior Associate Director at RSK Transport Planning, tells us why everyday changes, supported by business, are of vital importance.
Read more in our bio!
#Transport #NetZero #Commute #Environment #Environmental #ClimateChange
πΈ #selfiesonsite π€³
Recent spots by Chris Williams from @BinniesGlobal out on site for Southern Water last week, snapping the Pyramidal Orchid, the Hoary Plantain and the Bee Orchid
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities π www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #wildlife #nature #flowers