Project Status: Development Stage
Project Background
Tandlemuir Estate is a key part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, spanning an impressive 1,500 hectares of peat moorland and rough grassland, located just four miles from Lochwinnoch. However, the landscape has been scarred by a long history of peatland drainage, a result of its former use for grouse shooting. This has led to habitat degradation and impacted ecological potential. Extensive drainage has dried out the peat, releasing greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. Over time, the habitat has become less suitable for native species such as golden plover, black grouse, water vole, and mountain hare.
In 2021, a detailed survey of Tandlemuir’s land identified 236 hectares as a key focus for restoration. The survey found deep peat across the site, showing its great potential to store carbon and help fight climate change. After major restoration work in 2024, funded by Peatland Action and carried out by Renfrewshire Council, LCDT plans to restore an additional 80–100 hectares of peatland in the Tandlemuir area.
Since 2017, the Yearn Stane Project, in conjunction with the Eadha Project (Gaelic for ‘aspen’) and a local environmental consultancy, Starling Learning, has been working with the local community and landowners to plant trees and restore the park’s badly degraded peatlands.
In 2021, the Yearn Stane Project partnered with the Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust to pursue a Community Asset Transfer of Tandlemuir, empowering the local community to take ownership and actively manage the land for ecological and social benefit.
Project Aims
Our vision is to restore Tandlemuir’s natural habitats through peatland repair and native tree planting. This effort aims to:
- Boost biodiversity and ecological health
- Reduce flooding risks
- Capture carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change
- Support low-impact, sustainable, community-led recreation and tourism
- Create local employment opportunities
- Improve community resilience through food security via small-scale organic farming and market gardening
To achieve this, we plan to develop eco-tourism facilities, including a campsite, bunkhouse, and bike trails, providing opportunities for recreation, education, and local employment. Additionally, developing small regenerative farms and market gardens will supply fresh, local food, strengthening the local economy and community well-being.
We aim to encourage sustainable land use practices that will boost biodiversity, reduce flooding, and capture carbon. We are confident that this will lead to resilient, nature-based solutions that will benefit the social and economic well-being of the people of Renfrewshire.
Community Consultation
LCDT secured funding from the Scottish Land Fund to survey the residents of Lochwinnoch in February 2024. The survey covered concerns relating to the environment, the community, and Tandlemuir.
Read the full report, published in June 2024, here.