The Highland Council has issued an update on the Flow to the Future project.

The project is an ambitious multi-million pound project which aims to restore seven square miles of globally important peatlands. The scheme is being co-ordinated by the RSPB on behalf of the Peatlands Partnership.

Established in 2007, the Peatlands Partnership promotes the special nature and interests of the peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland – the Flow Country – and includes The Highland Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB Scotland, Plantlife International, the Environmental Research Institute, individuals from the local community and other stakeholder organisations.

During a meeting earlier this week, Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee members were told that an application for funding for the project had been submitted on 7 February. A decision is expected in May 2014.

In Autumn 2012, the project received a Stage One pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund and since then the Peatlands Partnership has been developing the project and preparing to submit the application for funding.

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The proposals for the Flow to the Future project include:

• Trails, viewpoints and information around the Flows.

• Online web applications and on-site exhibitions and events to raise awareness amongst wider audiences.

• An all-ages learning programme aimed at both local and UK-wide audiences.

• Peatland restoration work covering seven square miles of forested and previously forested blanket bog.

• A new field station with education room/ laboratory space, offices and accommodation for volunteers, students and researchers.

• Opportunities for volunteers both at Forsinard and elsewhere in Caithness and Sutherland.

• A viewing observatory on the existing Dubh Lochans Trail at Forsinard.

• Improvements to the visitor centre at the Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve.

• An Advisory Officer to provide peatland management-related advice and to help local grazings committees, farmers and land managers to access grants for peatland restoration.

Leader of the Area Committee, Councillor Deirdre Mackay, is quoted as saying: "This is a very exciting and ambitious project to provide a world class visitor experience for people in the Flow Country and at the same time carry out restoration work which will improve the peatland habitats for many plants and animal species such as otters, hen harriers and golden plovers.

"It certainly is a thrilling prospect to think that if successful, we will be able to promote the peatlands to a much wider audience through the new facilities and the use of modern technology so people across the world will be inspired by the stunning wildlife and the important role the blanket bogs play today in tackling climate change.

"A lot of hard work has gone in to getting to this stage and everyone involved has been very dedicated and focussed."

(JP/CD)