Shetland Partnership Network Thursday 26th October 2023

Representatives from Shetland Amenity Trust, NatureScot, Shetland Islands Council Climate Change Team alongside the Lochend & Taits Park land manager, showcased and gave a talk about the peatland restoration work being carried out in Shetland.

The Shetland Partnership Network aims to help partners create a sense of shared ownership of community planning and to create a safe environment for open and honest conversations around the challenges and opportunities to tackle inequalities in Shetland. The Network brings together representatives of all community planning partners in Shetland and offers opportunities for information sharing, developing ideas and building relationships.

The trip was a chance to learn about Peatland Restoration: what it is; why it is done; the value and importance of this work in tackling climate change in Shetland; and the scale of the work and its impact. It was also an opportunity to find out how Peatland Restoration contributes to the climate change outcomes of the Shetland Partnership Delivery Plan.

Representatives of 9 partners attended, and learned about the damage and erosion that had occurred at the site. The restoration project is a great example of how innovation and determination can deliver positive health benefits for the land and the climate, as well as creating new, greener jobs and inspiring other landowners to follow suit.

Feedback from those who attended showed: they benefited from the knowledge gained; seeing the ‘before and after’ of peatland restoration; hearing from experts; and the practical aspect and learning about sustainability projects with community benefits. After learning about the work going on, the group planted some sphagnum moss at the site. More information on peatland restoration in Shetland can be found on the Shetland Amenity Trust website: Peatlands and Peatland Restoration | Shetland Amenity Trust.

The next meeting of the Shetland Partnership Network will be held in December.