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Talla, Gameshope and Carrifran
In the hills of southern Scotland, a major restoration project has transformed nearly 100 hectares of degraded peatland. Led by the Borders Forest Trust, this initiative is part of a long-term commitment to restoring nature and tackling climate change across the Talla and Gameshope estate.
At Talla, Gameshope & Carrifran in the Scottish Borders, over 98 hectares of eroded peatland have been restored as part of the first dedicated peatland project in a long-running partnership between Forest Carbon and the Borders Forest Trust. This area, once drained and deeply scarred by erosion, was actively releasing carbon and losing its capacity to support native wildlife.
Restoration techniques included hagg reprofiling, gully blocking and bare peat revegetation, all designed to raise the water table and help peat-forming plants re-establish. These mosses and sedges will now slowly accumulate, forming new layers of peat and locking in carbon over time. It’s estimated that the project will prevent more than 21 thousand tonnes of CO₂e emissions over the next century.
The ecological value of this project is equally important. As the bogs recover, so does habitat for species like black grouse and hen harriers. The restored landscape now holds more water, reducing downstream flood risk and improving resilience to drought. With site visits planned for academics, conservationists and policymakers, the work at Talla, Gameshope & Carrifran will continue to inform peatland restoration efforts across the UK.
Thank you to all those who supported this vital project.
Certified under the Peatland Code, the UK’s government-backed standard for carbon-funded peatland restoration.
Peatlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth and a stark example of how important our natural environment is to our wellbeing. Occupying just 3% of the Earth’s land surface, peatlands are our largest carbon store on land. They are places where people derive clean water and food, and can act as buffers for environmental disasters, such as flooding. They are also of global significance for biodiversity with the majority of peatland species and habitats rare, threatened or declining.
- Inger Anderson, Director of the IUCN
Project status
Registered
Project and plans are registered on IHS Markit.
Project validated
Documentation is audited, but work and verification are yet to occur.
Restoration validated
Work is complete. An initial check has been carried out by a third party.
Verified
Meets Code standards, verified by an accredited assessor. Ongoing checks ahead.
Co-benefits
Water management
Restoring the peatlands helps increase water retention, reducing flood risks and improving local water quality.
Biodiversity uplift
The project provides critical habitats for species such as black grouse and hen harriers, supporting wildlife recovery.
Ecosystem resilience
By restoring peat bogs, the project enhances the landscape's ability to recover from environmental shocks like flooding and droughts.
Educational impact
The project serves as a site for academic and policy-focused visits, helping to raise awareness and share restoration techniques.
Our involvement
Since 2011, we’ve partnered with the Borders Forest Trust across numerous nature projects. Talla, Gameshope & Carrifran is a strong example of how long-term collaboration can deliver meaningful, lasting impact for nature and people.
Step 1
Provided early funding
To give Borders Forest Trust early financial certainty, we agreed to pay 70% of the carbon funding on completion of the work, rather than validation. By committing funds before validation, Forest Carbon took on the risk that credits might not be issued or sold. This reflects the strong, trusted relationship we’ve built over years of collaboration.
Step 2
Delivered PC validation
We led the Peatland Code validation process, managing data and documentation to ensure an efficient and compliant outcome.
Step 3
Found the right buyers
Once verified, we brought the carbon credits to market, securing support from organisations like CGI and Consenna. Their investment allowed us to channel funds into the next wave of high-integrity, nature-based projects.
Step 4
Supporting long-term outcomes
Our role continues through ongoing Peatland Code verification, helping ensure that the project's climate and biodiversity benefits are delivered well into the future.
Our long-standing partnership with Forest Carbon has made it easy for Borders Forest Trust to access the carbon market and use that income to help restore significant areas of native woodland and peatland. With Forest Carbon managing carbon sales, we can focus on our core mission: restoring natural habitats across southern Scotland.
Some of the project's funders
Want to back a project like Talla?
Talla was made possible by businesses and land managers working together to restore UK nature. If your business is looking to make a similar impact, explore the projects it can support today.
