Research highlights million-pound opportunity for Argyll and Bute from green recovery
Rural Scotland has extensive natural assets which could have an important role in reducing excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. Landowners and managers are in a strong position to contribute to change and at the same time attract financial investment through carbon markets.
A partnership of private, public and community representatives in Argyll and Bute has been working together with research specialists to quantify the potential of carbon sequestration.
The project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
The objective is to provide a baseline and information which:
- assesses what natural capital the area has to offer and any current sequestration activity;
- provides an expert evaluation of opportunities;
- examines the potential of carbon markets for the area, assessing costs and future value to the economy;
- develops a proof-of-concept business model with example opportunities; and
- delivers suggested implementation plans and recommendations.
ARGYLL AND BUTE PROSPECTUS
Read an overview of the findings, the scale of the carbon sequestration opportunities identified and next steps on how to make it happen.
Carbon Sequestration Prospectus
OPPORTUNITY FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE
See our partner press release for the launch of the research reports.
Research highlights million-pound opportunity for Argyll and Bute from green recovery
Optimising carbon sequestration reports
Browse the reports produced as part of this study to find out more about carbon sequestration and the opportunities presented.
Optimising carbon sequestration opportunities
Analysis by SAMS of current carbon sequestration market supply opportunities across terrestrial and marine.
Optimising Carbon Sequestration Opportunities
Economic Impact Report for Argyll and Bute
The economic impacts from ekosgen that can be achieved under different carbon sequestration approaches.
ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE
Islay natural capital baseline survey
Baseline audit assessing peatland condition in Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
Islay Natural Capital Baseline Survey
Business modelling report
Three core carbon sequestration scenarios modelled in detail: woodland, peatland and silvopasture.
Business Modelling Report
Carbon market turn-key funding platform
Barriers for organisations to carbon trading, and examples of global solutions.
Carbon Market Turn Key Funding Platform
Facilitation Implementation Plan
Route map and set of activities to support and enable the creation of a sustainable carbon market that deliver benefits to local communities, employers and landowners.
Carbon Facilitation Readiness Report
Landowners' implementation plan
An exploration of opportunities and ways to maximise the benefits of carbon markets for landowners.
Landowners' Implementation Plan
Community carbon management plan
An exploration of the opportunities and how to maximise the benefits from carbon markets for communities.
Community Carbon Management Plan
Peatland Restoration on Islay
Around 60% of Islay, the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands, is covered in peat.
Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) has for the last five years been one of 11 cross border partners working with the Collaborative Action for the Natura Network (CANN) Project. EU Funded by INTERREG VA Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the projects have been working to save peatlands and wetlands across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
The Islay project has carried out extensive work at Eilean na Muice Duibhe (Duich Moss) and Rinns of Islay, both Special Areas of Conservation. This has involved monitoring the sites, collecting environmental data, controlling invasive species, particularly Rhododendron Ponticum, developing deer management plans, and developing conservation action plans for the sites.
ACT has now been successful in securing funding from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to try to expand the range of landowners engaging in Peatland Action and the Peatland Code. The project hopes to engage with the wider community, draw in Islay’s main industry - whisky distilleries, and share the project model and lessons learned as they go along.
Thank you to ACT, SAMS and to Jenny Love for use of photographs for this page. Please do not reproduce without permission.