29th July 2024
ERI – Environmental Research Institute, UHI, Thurso, May 2023
UHI North, West and Hebrides, in collaboration with NatureScot Peatland ACTION, is excited to announce the launch of the ‘For Peat’s Sake’ project, which will deliver an introductory peatland restoration training course to businesses.
The five-day course, An Introduction to Peatland Restoration, will combine classroom-based learning with practical field trips equipping businesses with an introduction to peatland ecology, wildlife habitats, restoration techniques and hill working safety, while addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the peatland restoration sector.
The course will take place week beginning Monday 2 September at the RSPB Flows Field Centre at Forsinard. It includes an optional one day of ATV Argo training and guidance on tendering for restoration projects. Participants will gain hands-on experience preparing them to contribute effectively to the Scottish Government’s ambitious peatland restoration targets.
Peatland ACTION, a key partner in the project, is a national programme led by Scottish Government, which offers funding to improve the condition of degraded peatlands across Scotland. Restoring peatlands is one of the most effective ways of locking in carbon – providing a nature-based solution to both the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
Anne Murray, a NatureScot Peatland ACTION Workforce Development Adviser, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with UHI North, West and Hebrides to develop and deliver this important training. Helping businesses develop the skills to engage in the peatland restoration sector is a key focus of our workforce development activities in the Peatland ACTION programme. Peatland restoration projects create opportunities for businesses across the rural economy and this training course will be a good introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to engage in this growing sector.”
In 2020, the Scottish Government set a target to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatland by 2030, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the region. The Peatland ACTION programme delivered over 10,000 hectares of restoration work last year, highlighting the increasing activity in this sector. The ‘For Peat’s Sake’ project is key to addressing the skill gaps identified in the Peatland Skills Action Plan, which highlighted the urgent need for training in this emerging sector.
UHI North, West and Hebrides, Principal and Chief Executive, Lydia Rohmer said: “As peatland restoration efforts accelerate to meet climate change targets, there is a significant demand for a skilled workforce capable of delivering this work. This free training will support businesses to develop the understanding and expertise needed to undertake effective restoration projects and support the region’s wider economic and environmental goals.”
Adding to the significance of this project is the Flow Country’s aim to become the UK’s next natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognised for its vast, unspoiled blanket bogs, the Flow Country is a vital carbon sink and a globally important habitat. This training programme will not only contribute to regional climate goals but also support the preservation and enhancement of an area of international environmental importance.
The ‘For Peat’s Sake’ project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Highland Council, making this training free for Highland-based businesses considering involvement in peatland restoration. A key requirement of the funding is that attendees must be paid their usual wage by their employer during the training period.
In the event of oversubscription for this training, places available to an individual business may be limited and priority will be given to those businesses who are able to demonstrate how they will make use of the learning. Additionally, priority will be given, in the following order, to:
- Businesses named in the UKSPF application.
- Other businesses based in Caithness and North Sutherland.
- Other businesses based in The Highland Council area.
This training initiative presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to enhance their capabilities and contribute to the region’s economic and environmental goals.
For further information or to express interest, please contact Business.nwh@uhi.ac.uk.