Landscape of globally rare habitat restored near Loch Ness in one of first and largest projects of its kind in Scotland

Image courtesy James Shooter Rewilding Europe

In one of the first and biggest projects of its kind in Scotland, a landscape of over1,000 hectares of a globally rare and threatened habitat is being restored near Loch Ness, as part of Britain’s largest rewilding initiative.

A partnership of charities, landowners and businesses has joined together to save and repair a connected area of blanket bog, among the world’s rarest habitats,across three neighbouring and diverse landholdings.

It has been facilitated by charity Rewilding Affric Highlands, which coordinates a growing partnership of landowners forming the Affric Highlands landscape. Peatland restoration consultancy Caledonian Climate is providing expert advice and support.

The 1,024 hectare-project is being carried out across rewilding charity Trees for Life’s Dundreggan estate, privately owned land at Guisachan, and Corrimony Farm.

“This is about restoring a whole ecosystem at landscape scale, with a shared commitment to tackling the nature and climate emergencies and benefitting local communities,” Stephanie Kiel, Rewilding Affric Highlands executive director told That's Green.

Healthy peatlands are one of the planet’s most efficient carbon sinks. They also reduce flood and wildfire risk by regulating water movement, filter and clean water, and support a unique range of wildlife and plants.

Scotland contains 13% of the world’s blanket bog, a type of peatland found in only a few parts of the world with cool, wet or oceanic climates. 

But 80% of the country’s peatlands are degraded, for reasons including drainage, extraction for fuel, overgrazing, and wildfires.

Overgrazing and trampling by high numbers of deer, for example, damages the thin layer of vegetation and prevents natural regeneration of bog plants. The exposed peat then dries out and erodes, worsening climate change by releasing rather than absorbing carbon dioxide.

The Affric Highlands peatland project includes 464 hectares at Trees for Life’s Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston, 315 hectares at Corrimony Farm, and 245 hectares at Guisachan.

This ecologically important landscape encompasses Lochs ma Stac, na Beinne Baine, and Liath. It is home to moorland and wetland birds including dunlin, golden plover, and black-throated divers, as well as otters, water voles, lizards, and invertebrates.

With backing and funding from a British Dragonfly Society project, supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot, breeding pools are being restored for dragonflies across all the landholdings. It's hoped this will benefit rare, threatened bog species, the white-faced darter, azure hawker, and northern emerald.

The project will also benefit peatland plants including dwarf birch, sundews, alpine bearberry, cloudberry, and sphagnum mosses.

David Girvan of Corrimony Farm, an upland working farm with about 150 suckler cows and 180 breeding ewes, told us: “We’re showing that farming can work well with peatland restoration, which makes a real difference for keeping carbon locked up. It’s good to see such a big area across different estates being restored together.”

Advanced techniques are being used across the landholdings to halt erosion, raise the water table, and revegetate bare peat areas. Reprofiling peat hags – ridges of eroded dry soil on which vegetation can’t re-establish, and gullies prevents erosion. Drain blocking and dam constructions can rewet the bog and aid regeneration of sphagnum moss.

Sphagnum moss reintroduction through transplants is another key strategy. This species can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, and promotes the waterlogged, acidic conditions needed for revegetation and peat formation.

“This cross-boundary project should be beneficial to a wide range of species. Several years of careful planning and organisation should create long-term biodiversity benefit,” said Alex Grigg, at Guisachan.

Peat is a black spongy soil, formed from accumulated layers of sphagnum and other vegetation in waterlogged conditions. A single metre of peat can take 1,000 years to form.

“Peatlands are amazing, wild places that are being lost worldwide. With our neighbours, we want this initiative to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for restoring blanket bog across Scotland,” said Gwen Raes, Trees for Life’s Dundreggan estate manager.

Funders include Peatland ACTION, Wilderway, and Alex Grigg. In a further example of innovation, The Peatland Restoration Foundation (PRF), a new initiative led by a group of five individual food and drink companies – PEAT’D, Suntory Global Spirits, Bruichladdich, Isle of Raasay and Inchdairnie – are co-funding the restoration at Corrimony Farm.

The PRF brings together organisations using peat commercially to provide an accessible pathway to ensure that any food or drink company can restore more peat than they use.

Caledonian Climate and Wilderway will carry undertake monitoring for the IUCN’s Peatland Code, to ensure the project delivers lasting biodiversity and climate benefits. Independent verification will ensure transparency of results.

Affric Highlands, Britain’s largest rewilding landscape, and a member of Rewilding Europe’s family of major European-wide flagship rewilding landscapes, brings together a coalition of landowners, local people, charities, businesses and others to boost biodiversity, tackle climate change, and create social and economic opportunities.

It aims to restore nature across in excess of 200,000 hectares of the central Highlands, through a linked network of landholdings from Loch Ness to Kintail. See affrichighlands.org.

From Plantation Waste to Wardrobe: How Banana Farming Is Inspiring Sustainable Materials

Every year, millions of tonnes of bananas are harvested around the world. Yet few people realise that the fruit we eat represents only a tiny portion of the banana plant. 

Once a bunch of bananas is harvested, the rest of the plant, including the thick trunk-like pseudostem, leaves, and fibres, is often discarded. 

Traditionally, this agricultural waste has been left to rot in fields or burned, contributing little value and sometimes adding to environmental problems.

Today, however, a growing number of innovators, designers, and agricultural researchers are transforming this waste into something remarkable: sustainable materials that can be used for clothing, textiles, packaging, and even construction.

Turning Banana Waste into Fibre

Banana plants are rich in strong natural fibres. These fibres can be extracted from the plant’s pseudostem, the thick stalk that supports the fruit, after harvesting. 

Instead of being discarded, the stalk can be processed using mechanical decorticators that separate the fibres from the plant pulp.

The resulting banana fibre is surprisingly versatile. It is naturally biodegradable, strong, and breathable, making it suitable for a wide range of textile applications. 

In some regions, particularly in parts of Asia, banana fibre has been used traditionally for centuries to produce fabrics, ropes, and mats.

Modern technology is now taking this age-old material to a new level. Innovative start-ups are refining the fibre to create soft yarns that can be blended with cotton, hemp, or recycled textiles. 

The result is a durable and environmentally friendly fabric that requires far fewer resources than many conventional materials.

Fashion Meets Sustainability

Several sustainable fashion brands have begun experimenting with banana-based textiles. Designers are using banana fibre to produce clothing such as jackets, shirts, and accessories that combine durability with a low environmental footprint.

Unlike synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum, banana fibre is entirely plant-based and biodegradable. Using agricultural by-products rather than newly grown crops also reduces pressure on land and water resources.

Some textile innovators are even developing leather-like materials made from banana plant waste. These alternatives to animal leather are gaining attention from environmentally conscious designers who want cruelty-free, low-impact materials.

Benefits for Farmers and the Environment

Beyond sustainability, banana fibre production offers an important economic opportunity for farmers. Instead of throwing away plant residues, growers can sell banana stems to fibre processors or operate small-scale fibre extraction units themselves.

This additional income stream can help support rural farming communities while reducing agricultural waste.

From an environmental perspective, utilising banana plant waste helps reduce methane emissions that can occur when organic material decomposes in large quantities. It also cuts down on the need for synthetic fibres, which often release microplastics into waterways.

A Circular Future for Agriculture

The banana industry is beginning to embrace a circular economy approach, one where nothing is wasted and every part of the crop has value. Fruit feeds the world, while stems and fibres can clothe it.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and wasteful production systems, innovative materials like banana fibre offer a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

In the years ahead, the humble banana plant may not just be known for the fruit in your lunchbox — but also for the shirt on your back. 

Hope Spring Signs MoU to Expand Water Poverty Alleviation Training

A new partnership between Hope Spring Water and Haba Naija is set to strengthen efforts to tackle water poverty in underserved regions of Nigeria through training, volunteering, and grassroots engagement.

Under the agreement, Haba Naija staff in Nigeria will undergo structured training delivered by Hope Spring Water, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to support water poverty alleviation workshops. The initiative aims to extend Hope Spring Water’s reach into parts of Nigeria where it currently has limited or no operational presence, ensuring that more communities benefit from sustainable water education and intervention programmes.

Speaking on the partnership, Tomi Onigbinde highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving impact: “This partnership represents a powerful step forward in our mission to combat water poverty. 

"By working with Haba Naija, we are not only expanding our reach but also empowering local teams with the skills and knowledge needed to create lasting change within their own communities. Sustainable impact begins with local involvement, and this initiative brings that vision to life.”

The training programme will focus on key areas such as community engagement, water sanitation awareness, project implementation strategies, and monitoring impact outcomes. Trained volunteers will then support outreach workshops across targeted regions, helping to educate communities about safe water practices while identifying areas in need of intervention.

Bujola Ogunremi also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “At Haba Naija, we are deeply committed to initiatives that create meaningful impact across Nigeria. Partnering with Hope Spring Water allows us to leverage our local presence and network to support an important cause. Our team is excited to contribute directly to improving lives by helping extend access to clean water education and solutions.”

This partnership reflects a growing recognition of the role digital platforms can play in supporting real-world development initiatives. By combining Hope Spring Water’s expertise in water poverty solutions with Haba Naija’s local reach and influence, the collaboration is expected to accelerate awareness, engagement, and action.

Both organisations believe the initiative will serve as a scalable model for future partnerships aimed at addressing critical social challenges across Nigeria and beyond.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Celebrating World Heritage Day: Protecting the Stories of Our Past

Every year on 18 April, people around the globe mark World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

It is a day dedicated to recognising and protecting the cultural landmarks, historic sites, and natural wonders that tell the story of humanity.

From ancient ruins and medieval castles to sacred landscapes and historic cities, these places are far more than tourist attractions. They are living reminders of the people, traditions, and events that have shaped the world we live in today.

What Is World Heritage Day?

World Heritage Day was established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and later endorsed by UNESCO. The aim is simple but powerful: to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and the need to preserve it for future generations.

Across the world, museums, heritage sites, and cultural organisations mark the day with special events, educational programmes, guided tours, and conservation campaigns.

Britain’s Remarkable World Heritage Sites

The United Kingdom is home to an extraordinary collection of World Heritage Sites that highlight thousands of years of history. These sites reflect everything from prehistoric engineering to industrial innovation.

Some of the most famous include:

Stonehenge – one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in the world.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

Tower of London – a fortress, royal palace and prison steeped in centuries of royal intrigue.

https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

Ironbridge Gorge – widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/ironbridge-gorge

Edinburgh Old and New Towns – showcasing dramatic medieval and Georgian architecture.

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support/listing-scheduling-and-designations/world-heritage-sites/old-and-new-towns-of-edinburgh/

Each site carries its own unique story and reminds us how innovation, culture, and community have shaped the British landscape.

Why Heritage Protection Matters

Historic sites are vulnerable. Climate change, urban development, pollution, tourism pressure, and neglect can all threaten fragile structures and landscapes.

World Heritage Day highlights the importance of conservation work carried out by archaeologists, historians, architects, and volunteers who dedicate their efforts to safeguarding these places.

Protecting heritage is not simply about preserving buildings. It is about protecting identity, culture, and memory.

How You Can Celebrate World Heritage Day

You do not have to travel far to participate. Consider:

Visiting a local historic site or heritage attraction

Supporting heritage charities and conservation organisations

Learning about the history of your town or village

Sharing photos or stories of heritage places you love

Even a walk through a historic high street or countryside landmark can reveal fascinating glimpses into the past.

A Shared Global Legacy

World Heritage Day is a reminder that the treasures of the past belong to all of us. By protecting historic places today, we ensure that future generations can continue to learn from them, explore them, and be inspired by them.

After all, heritage is not just about where we have been, it helps shape where we are going next.

International Bat Appreciation Day: Why Bats Deserve Our Respect

Each year on International Bat Appreciation Day, wildlife lovers, conservationists, and environmental organisations take a moment to celebrate one of the most misunderstood creatures in the natural world. 

Far from being frightening or sinister, bats are actually vital to healthy ecosystems, including here in the United Kingdom.

For readers of That’s Green, this is the perfect opportunity to recognise the quiet but essential role bats play in supporting biodiversity and maintaining natural balance.

Nature’s Night-Shift Gardeners

Bats are extraordinary animals. Worldwide there are over 1,400 species, making them the second largest group of mammals after rodents. In the UK alone we are home to 18 different species, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat, and the rare greater horseshoe bat.

Their ecological importance is immense. Many bats are natural pest controllers, feeding on thousands of insects every night. A single pipistrelle bat can eat around 3,000 insects in one evening, helping farmers and gardeners reduce the need for pesticides.

Elsewhere in the world, bats also act as pollinators and seed dispersers, supporting forests, fruit crops, and plant biodiversity.

Protected and Precious

Despite their value, bats face many threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and disturbance of roosting sites. In the UK, bats and their roosts are strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.

This protection reflects how fragile many bat populations have become. Renovation of old buildings, removal of mature trees, and excessive outdoor lighting can all disrupt the dark environments bats depend on.

International Bat Appreciation Day encourages people to learn more about these animals and to support efforts to protect them.

How You Can Help Bats

You don’t need to be a scientist to support bat conservation. Small changes in gardens and communities can make a big difference:

Plant night-scented flowers to attract insects that bats feed on

Install a bat box to provide safe roosting spaces

Avoid chemical pesticides in gardens

Reduce outdoor lighting where possible to maintain dark flight paths

Support local wildlife groups involved in bat monitoring

Many wildlife organisations across the UK also run bat walks and evening listening events, where participants can hear bats using special detectors. These events are a wonderful way to experience the secret life of bats at dusk.

Celebrating the Night’s Guardians

Bats may be creatures of the night, but their contribution to the environment is impossible to ignore. By controlling pests, supporting plant life, and enriching biodiversity, they quietly perform a crucial ecological role.

International Bat Appreciation Day reminds us that protecting bats is not just about saving one species, it’s about protecting the delicate balance of nature itself.

So the next time you spot a small silhouette darting across the evening sky, remember: you are watching one of nature’s most efficient and valuable environmental allies at work.

https://www.bats.org.uk

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