Estimated Price

£37,480

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Summary

A new community-led, bog-to-forest restoration boosts employment, volunteer opportunities, and public access while creating carbon storage. It supports mental and physical health, tackling poverty and the climate emergency.

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Description

MICT wants to undertake new work to restore the bog and neighbouring tree habitats in Ardura Community Forest, creating opportunities for local volunteers and paid contractors as well as nature. Managed by MICT’s biodiversity project officer, the project will undertake baseline surveys on peat depth, animal and plant species, and overall peat condition data plus remove, non-native, invasive tree species.

Background & Need: Since acquiring the forest for the community in 2019, MICT has been working to a long-term, phased plan, to restore the forest for people and nature.  In 2023, MICT achieved FSC Verified Impact status from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for the forest in recognition of the positive impacts of its enhanced forest management practises. 

This new phase of work focuses on transforming bog and adjacent tree habits and supports the needs identified in the local community development plan: to protect biodiversity, support sustainable jobs, and create accessible, outdoor spaces that improve mental and physical health.

Expected Outputs & Outcomes:

• Expanding public access to nature.
• Providing volunteering, employment, and upskilling opportunities.
• Improving mental and physical health.
• Restoring peatbog to store carbon and address the climate crisis.
• Viability of pursuing a new income stream (carbon credits) to help fund future phases of the restoration work at Ardura.
• Strengthening the local economy and community, helping reverse population decline and tackling the root causes of rural poverty.

Timeline: Work would begin in August 2025 and last 8 months.

Funding: MICT is seeking funding for the capital works (including the associated non-recoverable VAT): ecologists with the specialist knowledge to lead on the survey work; investigation into the viability of establishing carbon offset credits as a future income stream for peatland restoration and contractors to remove the larger trees. A revenue contribution towards project officer staff costs and full cost recovery. We have secured 10% match funding.