SP Energy Networks Invests In Ecosystem Recovery To Support Cleaner Water And Reduced Carbon Emissions In Scotland

Our work in the south of Scotland is helping local waterways and wildlife recover and thrive through a collaborative partnership with the Galloway Fisheries Trust and Forestry and Land Scotland. As part of our broader commitment to nature-positive development and to minimising environmental impacts, we have completed a peatland restoration project around Loch Moan that will directly support the health of the River Cree, one of Dumfries and Galloway’s most treasured natural features.

The restoration effort covered an area roughly the size of 32 football pitches and focused on rewetting previously forested peatland. By restoring natural water flow into the River Cree, the project improves water quality and strengthens the conditions that local wildlife and fish populations rely on.

The river is a well-known angling destination, recognised for its salmon and trout, and is also home to one of only three remaining sparling populations in Scotland—a rare species requiring clean, oxygen-rich water to survive.In total, 22.5 hectares of peatland have now been brought back into a healthier state.

Restored peatlands play an essential role in wider ecosystem stability. They naturally store significant amounts of carbon, but when drained or damaged, they can release that carbon into the atmosphere. By reinstating the waterlogged, low-oxygen conditions that healthy peatlands depend on, the project reduces the risk of carbon emissions while simultaneously improving water quality and supporting biodiversity.

A range of species stand to benefit from these improvements. Black grouse, various reptiles, amphibians, and many other forms of wildlife that depend on intact natural habitats are expected to see long-term gains as the landscape continues to recover. The site itself contains an abundance of sphagnum moss—an important indicator of strong peatland health—suggesting that the area will continue to grow richer, greener and more ecologically vibrant over time.

This restoration forms part of our wider Action Plan for Nature, which ensures that our investment in network infrastructure not only delivers reliable power to homes and businesses but also contributes positively to Scotland’s natural environment and surrounding communities.Reflecting on the project, SP Energy Networks’ Sustainability Manager, Gill Renwick, emphasised that the needs of local communities guide every aspect of their work.

She noted that the organisation has set a clear path to avoid any net loss of biodiversity by 2028 and to become nature-positive by 2030. Restoring natural habitats is a central part of achieving these goals, and the collaboration with the Galloway Fisheries Trust and Forestry and Land Scotland has been instrumental in making the Loch Moan project a success.

She also highlighted how encouraging it is to already see visible signs of recovery in the area, reinforcing the long-lasting environmental impact such initiatives can have.Forestry and Land Scotland’s Planning & Environment Manager, Dr. Ed Turner, expressed appreciation for the support behind the restoration work, noting that peatland restoration plays an important role in their broader land management strategy.

When carried out in the right places, restoration strengthens carbon storage, improves water quality and enhances habitats over the long term. He added that the partnership approach at Loch Moan has provided an effective framework for delivering meaningful results.

Kacie Jess, Project Manager at the Galloway Fisheries Trust, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the River Cree is a uniquely valuable ecosystem and that the restoration work supports it in the ways that matter most: cleaner water, more stable conditions and a healthier river for fish and other wildlife.

She noted the importance of partnering with organisations that are not only committed to being nature-positive in principle but that also demonstrate this commitment through practical action on the ground.