Peatland restoration and why communities matter

In this Restoration Series episode of Echoes from the Bog, we explore what community-led peatland restoration looks like in Ireland and southern Scotland and what justice might mean for peatlands, farmers, landowners, and local communities. You’ll hear Holly in conversation with Doug McMillan (Green Restoration Ireland) on “paludiculture,” peatland farming, and why restoration has to come with reliable income for land stewards. Then we visit Ardee Bog with Fiona Crawley (Friends of Ardee Bog), where a fragmented, unprotected bog is being cared for through small grants, shelters, and cups of tea — slow restoration grounded in relationship. Finally, Kate Foster speaks with socio-ecological artist Kerry Morrison (Team Peat / Crichton Carbon Centre) about creative monitoring, access, and “deep hanging out” as a vital method for bringing wider publics into peatland repair. From carbon credits to community buyouts, from wet boots to word-of-mouth organising, this episode is about restoring peatlands in ways that meet the pocket, the head, and the heart.