One could be forgiven for assuming the Scottish Highlands are unchanged. They are vast, rugged and sparsely populated. In fact, they have been dramatically altered by mankind. As recently as 7,000 years ago the vast Caledonian Forest was home to bears, lynx, wolves and beavers.
Today, only around 1% remains of the ancient forest. Trees were cleared for a variety of reasons: conversion to animal farming, timber for construction, shipbuilding which underpinned the British Empire, fuel for the early industrial revolution and for trench construction during WW1. Most of the forests seen today in Scotland are timber plantations, which offer poor habitat for wildlife. Likewise, enormous areas of peatland bog were drained for conversion to animal farming and hunting.
Both forest creation and peatland restoration offer enormous carbon offsetting benefits. Importantly unlike some forms of offsetting, they draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
At Highland Carbon, we restore wild landscapes to their former splendour, whilst helping our corporate clients to achieve their carbon offsetting aspirations. We offer additionality by working in a robust Landscape Conservation and Biodiversity framework, applying principles of international conservation right here in the UK. Contact us for more information: richard@highlandcarbon.com
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