Forest Carbon | Cùl Mòr

20,469

Est. tCO2e avoidance over life time

100 years

Project duration

135 ha

Property area

About This Project

This project is part of a wider programme of restoration of the Glencanisp and Drumrunie Estates, which are situated in a Special Area of Conservation. The aim and ethos of the estate are to bring sustained positive conservation management and return the area to good health.

A combination of bare peat re-vegetation, hag re-profiling, ditch blocking and drain blocking will allow the water table to rise and peat-forming plant species to re-colonise the area. These plants sequester carbon while they are alive and the waterlogged habitat prevents them from decomposing when they die, resulting in their carbon being stated as layers of peat.

Improved water quality

By absorbing and/or filtering water, this project is helping to improve water quality in the surrounding and downstream areas.

Community involvement

Members of the surrounding community are involved in the development of this project and will share in the benefits, including jobs and skills creation.

Flood mitigation

This project helps to reduce the risk of flooding and mitigate the impact of it, by intercepting, slowing and/or absorbing surface and groundwater, which helps to prevent soil erosion.

Biodiversity uplift

This project was developed to increase the amount and variety of flora and fauna species in the area.

Habitat conservation

This project supports the habitat of important species native to the areas.

Our involvement

Forest Carbon is helping the Assynt Foundation to certify its peatland under the IUCN Peatland Code, as well as sell the associated carbon credits. Any financial returns made from this project will be delivered back to the local community.

Assess eligibility and potential

We began by reviewing the project – mapping peat features, assessing the length of the project based on peat volume, identifying potential barriers (and their solutions) to success, and calculating available carbon units and revenue potential. This meant we could proceed with the Peatland Code validation with confidence in success.

Secure buy-in from stakeholders

Then we helped Lewis secure buy-in across key stakeholders by educating them on the restoration process and providing information on the funding options available.

Process Peatland Code application

Together with the relevant stakeholders, we collated the necessary information and documentation for the Peatland Code validation. Our expertise and experience accelerate this process and maximise the chance of success.

Market and sell the credits (ongoing)

We are acting as brokers of this peatland’s carbon credits (PIUs). This includes generating marketing materials, drumming up interest, and liaising with prospective buyers, as well as contract creation and management.

Watch the movie

In partnership with Assynt Foundation, we commissioned a short video to bring Cùl Mòr and the people behind its restoration to life.

Results so far

This project kicked off in February 2023 and was delivered in April of the same year. These photos were taken before and during the restoration.

Keen to support Cùl Mòr? Carbon credits (PIUs) from this community-driven project will soon be available to purchase. Interested in accessing support and guidance on a peatland restoration project or Code validation/verification?

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