A living research site in the Scottish Highlands takes centre stage in a historic new partnership with the University of St Andrews to tackle the climate emergency.
The innovative 100-year partnership between the University and Corrour, near Fort William, will focus on nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, developing land management techniques and peatland restoration.
Researchers from St Andrews will develop nature-based solutions alongside Corrour to deliver long-term restoration of peatland, which is instrumental to tackling the climate emergency. Peatlands are among the most critical ecosystems on earth, acting as natural carbon stores and providing biodiverse habitats.
Through the restoration of peatland and the creation of naturally regenerated native woodland, the carbon benefits of this long-term partnership are estimated to be 100,000 tonnes of CO2e for St Andrews.
In addition to playing a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of climate change, the partnership will also bring employment and economic opportunities to the rural community.
Going beyond sequestering carbon, the partnership also offers a significant opportunity for investment in world-leading research and sustainable land management, all of which will facilitate both carbon sequestration and emissions reduction.
Demonstrating the University’s commitment to developing world-leading, nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, a research facility for students at Corrour will also be developed to educate the climate leaders of the future.
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, said, “Addressing the climate crisis is one of the most complex and urgent challenges facing humankind. We are committed to developing our research endeavours in sustainability – we need to understand more about how to manage effectively and preserve our natural landscapes so we are better able to mitigate further environmental collapse – and what we will learn will shape life in the coming decades.
“Corrour offers visionary leadership on land management practices and understands the transformative potential of a St Andrews education. The partnership is testament to Corrour’s values and aspirations and to St Andrews’ commitment to playing our part in tackling the climate emergency; it will be a catalyst for the creation of new knowledge.”
Donald Rowantree, Corrour Estate Manager, said, “Both organisations share a values-led approach which leads them to seek the highest possible integrity in their partners. The partnership is predicated on a shared long-term vision for climate mitigation and nature restoration at scale.”
Land regeneration consultancy, Sylvestris, have been the architects of this transaction and partnership, alongside the Corrour team.
Charlie Davis from Sylvestris said, “Corrour’s approach to land management to restore natural processes has been integral in its ability to secure commitment from such a prestigious partner: its data-led approach and commitment to open-range deer management have been crucial to the University’s confidence in Corrour’s ability to deliver nature-based outcomes and enhance the climate resilience of its landscape. By leveraging the University’s scholarly excellence and Corrour’s pioneering land management practices, the organisations will create an alliance that advances knowledge in biodiversity, natural capital, and sustainability.
“Being a good ancestor means thinking beyond immediate needs and making choices that benefit future generations. This partnership is a testament to a shared long-term vision for climate mitigation and nature restoration, ensuring we leave a thriving planet for those who come after us.”