In 2020, the Scottish Government committed £250 million in funding over a 10-year period to restore bogs, aiming to sequester carbon in the land. Scottish bogs currently emit approximately 10 million metric tons of carbon equivalent, nearly equivalent to emissions from the transport sector. The primary objectives of restoration projects are to halt these emissions and prevent further degradation. Moreover, these projects may become appealing to private investors and other funding bodies as a source of voluntary credits.
Researchers are utilizing advanced satellite technology to track the "bog breathing" phenomenon, which provides an accurate assessment of the site's health and the amount of carbon it could potentially store. This technology, still under development, is expected to be more cost-effective than ground-based mapping techniques.
Given the slow formation of peatland bogs, restoration efforts can span up to a century, accumulating around 0.5-1.0 millimetres of peat per year. It can take up to 1,000 years for a bog to grow one meter. In addition to being an impressive carbon sink, these ancient and watery landscapes (healthy peat is approximately 90% water) also help mitigate flood risks. They are also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including rare lizards, dragonflies, and snakes.
