The restoration of 94 hectares of peatland surrounding Loch Katrine, Scotland's largest city's primary water source, is a significant environmental achievement. This project, led by Scottish Water and George Leslie, aims to protect the water quality for over a million residents. The work, which began in October 2025, focuses on creating conditions for healthy peatland growth by reducing manmade drains and bare peat areas. This approach not only enhances water retention and peat health but also minimizes the amount of organic matter washed into the loch during heavy rain, thereby maintaining high source water quality and reducing treatment intensity. The project is part of a broader land management plan for the catchment, in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland, which includes the creation of one of Europe's largest woodlands through the planting and regeneration of native broadleaf trees. This initiative supports the expansion of the Great Trossachs Forest and builds on existing peatland restoration efforts in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The project is funded through Peatland ACTION, a national program committed to restoring 250,000 hectares of peatland by 2030, with a £250 million investment from the Scottish Government. The success of this project is evident in the increased amphibian activity within the dams, which indicates benefits to biodiversity, carbon storage, flood risk reduction, and water quality improvement. The third phase of peatland restoration is set to begin later this year, further emphasizing the commitment to a sustainable and resilient water supply for Glasgow.
