Posted on:
03 June 2025
Share this story:
Afton Reservoir Peatland Project Complete
03 June 2025
Afton Reservoir
The peatland project has seen over 500 hectares of peatland restored around the reservoir.
Work to restore over 500 hectares of peatland in East Ayrshire has been completed ahead of schedule, helping to protect water quality and cut carbon in the face of climate change.
The project, focused on land surrounding Afton Reservoir near New Cumnock, is one of the largest peatland restoration schemes carried out by Scottish Water to date.
Work will no longer need to continue later in the year, following a pause for the bird nesting season, thanks to the quick progress made by contractor George Leslie.
The scheme aims to return the land to a more natural state by closing up the drains which cover much of the area – using a technique called zippering. This allows water to be held within the land, encouraging healthy peatlands and preventing erosion.
Scottish Water project manager, Alan MacDonald, said: “We’re delighted that this project has been completed ahead of schedule, thanks to the hard work carried out by the George Leslie team.
“The scheme aims to protect the quality of the source water in Afton Reservoir, by restoring the peat so that it is better able to hold water in the land and reduce the amount of organic matter that is washed into the loch. This makes the job of treating it less time consuming and costly.”
He added: “Peatland restoration is a key element of Scottish Water’s net zero journey as it locks up carbon, supports biodiversity and helps towards the Scottish Government’s targets for peatland restoration in Scotland. They are also vital in making our water sources more resilient to future climate change.”
Craig MacDonald, agent with delivery partner George Leslie, said: “We’re delighted with the success and the efficiency of the peatland restoration at Afton Reservoir. To have completed the 500-hectare restoration ahead of schedule is testament to the resourcefulness of all the delivery team.
The project, focused on land surrounding Afton Reservoir near New Cumnock, is one of the largest peatland restoration schemes carried out by Scottish Water to date.
Work will no longer need to continue later in the year, following a pause for the bird nesting season, thanks to the quick progress made by contractor George Leslie.
The scheme aims to return the land to a more natural state by closing up the drains which cover much of the area – using a technique called zippering. This allows water to be held within the land, encouraging healthy peatlands and preventing erosion.
Scottish Water project manager, Alan MacDonald, said: “We’re delighted that this project has been completed ahead of schedule, thanks to the hard work carried out by the George Leslie team.
“The scheme aims to protect the quality of the source water in Afton Reservoir, by restoring the peat so that it is better able to hold water in the land and reduce the amount of organic matter that is washed into the loch. This makes the job of treating it less time consuming and costly.”
He added: “Peatland restoration is a key element of Scottish Water’s net zero journey as it locks up carbon, supports biodiversity and helps towards the Scottish Government’s targets for peatland restoration in Scotland. They are also vital in making our water sources more resilient to future climate change.”
Craig MacDonald, agent with delivery partner George Leslie, said: “We’re delighted with the success and the efficiency of the peatland restoration at Afton Reservoir. To have completed the 500-hectare restoration ahead of schedule is testament to the resourcefulness of all the delivery team.
“Bringing our experience in peatland restoration will continue on other Scottish Water projects – building on our reputation in this important area to help Scottish Water and Scotland reach its net zero targets.”
Afton Reservoir is six miles south of New Cumnock and is fed by a sizeable catchment area drawing water from all the surrounding hills. The land here drains into the reservoir, with the water taken to a treatment works in Afton before it goes on to supply much of Ayrshire.
