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Polkemmet Moss

Our first project is the restoration of an area of blanket bog known as Polkemmet Moss, an 18-hectare site previously used for and damaged by, industrial peat extraction.

To reverse this damage we will, with the support of Scottish National Heritage, raise the water table by ditch blocking. This will create the conditions for the eco-system to restore itself regenerating flora which is natural on peatland such as sphagnum moss & attracting fauna such as frogs, toads newts & bird species.

We will open up access to this site to as many organisations and individuals as possible who can benefit in particular those who live close to the site in the local community.

Polkemmet Moss would originally have formed part of a much bigger bog. Scotland has around 1.8 million hectares of peatland or 23% of land area. So we will have plenty of other opportunities to help restore and preserve this rare habitat.

Wetlands as a haven for wildlife

We don't yet know our site well enough to know which animals and birds currently use it for feeding or breeding. This picture shows part of the site with inviting shallow pools and native wetland plants. We want to make the whole site healthy again.

Dealing with the legacy

The site has been abandoned for some time, so we don't know what happened to it or what it has been used for since the industrial extraction stopped.

Around the site there are areas of spoil from mining activities. On one side of the site we have a natural spring, which is bubbling up through this mine waste carrying leached material with it. Experts from Scottish Natural Heritage are advising us on the best way to manage this water source and its flow across the bog.

Exposed Peat and Carbon Dioxide

This picture shows bare peat from the time when the site was used for extraction.

Water also drains from the site through a network of ditches. With advice from experts some of the ditches will blocked to allow the water table to be raised. This will rewet the bog and encourage wetland flora and fauna to re-establish on the site. Not only does nature benefit, but people benefit too. The site will be more attractive. It will also stop emitting carbon dioxide from the exposed peat.