Motion · S5M-18665 · 2 Sep 2019

Project FIREBLANKET

Lodged by Gail Ross Standard Motion 15 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes a new study into the impact of wildfires on peatland in Caithness and Sutherland; notes that the FIREBLANKET project will focus on effects of fire on approximately 60 square kilometres of land near Strathy in May 2019; recognises that this area is part of the Flow Country, the largest blanket bog in Europe; notes that peatlands are renowned for their ability to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, promote biodiversity and provide high-quality water; commends the team led by researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands, including researchers from the Environmental Research Institute at North Highland College, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the National Oceanograpic Centre, the University of Nottingham and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, who will spend a year carrying out this important work, funded by Natural Environment Scotland, and welcomes the involvement of Scottish Natural Heritage, the James Hutton Institute, the Flow Country Rivers Trust and Scottish Water as key partners.

Supporters (15)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.