Major whisky makers join forces for first-of-its-kind peatland revival at RSPB reserve
A landmark conservation partnership has been announced, with RSPB Scotland and major whisky distillers Suntory Global Spirits, Diageo and The Glenmorangie Company uniting to restore peatland on Islay; one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
The project at The Oa nature reserve is set to secure vital habitats for wildlife, store carbon, and celebrate the cultural roots that link Scotland’s nature, people, and whisky. This unprecedented sector-wide collaboration underlines how working together across industries is vital to restoring Scotland’s nature.
Over the next five years, the distilleries will collectively contribute £1.6 million to restore approximately 1,000 hectares of peatland. The focus will include making the peatland more resistant to flooding, improving resilience against wildfires, and providing improved habitat for many species, transforming the landscape into a healthy, thriving blanket bog.
The peatlands of Scotland are set to play a pivotal role in the country’s response to climate change and species loss. This internationally important habitat sequesters large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, storing an estimated ten times as much carbon as the entirety of the UK’s forests. Experts often highlight the value of peatland restoration in tackling climate change and mitigating its impacts.
Peatland also acts as a vital habitat for a variety of plants and animals with the restoration work on The Oa set to benefit threatened species such as Curlew, Snipe, Hen Harrier and Large Heath Butterfly.
“This incredibly exciting partnership at the Oa will allow us to return some of Scotland’s large and internationally important peatlands back to health,” said RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall.
It’s a shining example of how conservation and industry can work hand in hand in restoring Scotland’s incredible and unique habitats. We are extremely encouraged to see businesses collaborating to share the responsibility of environmental restoration and protection.
Healthy peatlands also help improve water quality, which should benefit both wildlife and people.”
The Oa contains a diverse array of habitats and species, from windswept moorland to nature-friendly farmland.
However, much of the blanket bog on the nature reserve has been drained due to centuries of domestic peat cutting. This has reduced the peat’s capacity to take in carbon from the air. Restoring this land will allow the peat to revegetate and return to a healthy, thriving habitat that delivers positively for climate and biodiversity.
Alistair Longwell, Head of Distilling and Environment at Suntory Global Spirits, says: “We’re delighted to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that combines the expertise of RSPB and industry counterparts to restore peatland on Islay. It marks the latest step in Suntory Global Spirits’ ongoing global sustainability commitment, including the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ initiative. We have dedicated more than $4 million to the conservation and restoration of peatlands and natural watersheds, and to date we have restored over 370 hectares across Scotland, including at The Oa. We look forward to working with our new partners to continue protecting these unique landscapes for generations to come.”
Kristin Hughes, Global SVP for Sustainability at Diageo, says: “Collective action across industries and with environmental leaders is essential if we are to make a lasting impact in restoring Scottish peatlands. By bringing together diverse expertise, resources, and shared commitment, we can accelerate progress toward real, measurable results. Across our peat work, we will invest in improved scientific understandings of the multiple benefits peatland restoration can bring, such as water management, carbon capture and biodiversity. We look forward to delivering collaborative impact and strengthening the case for peatland restoration across Scotland and beyond.”
Caspar MacRae, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, says: “At Ardbeg, we recognise the vital role peatlands play, in Scotland’s natural heritage and in securing a sustainable future. We are proud to be part of this partnership at The Oa, working alongside RSPB Scotland and fellow distillers to restore this precious landscape. By investing in the health of our peatlands, we are investing in the resilience of our environment, supporting biodiversity, and safeguarding the legacy for generations to come.“
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