The Scottish Wildlife Trust has said it is opposing plans for the commercial extraction of peat in the Fife area.

The proposals relate to a site located near to Mossmorran for the next 10 years, and in a statement the Trust has said the plans are "contrary to the Scottish Government's plans to reduce and phase out of the use of peat in horticulture."

The organisation added that it "strongly believes" no new peat extraction sites are needed, while existing sites should be restored in as near to favourable conditions as possible.

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John McTague, Planning Assistant, Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "At a time when peatlands are recognised as an important natural capital asset, it is disappointing to see companies still wanting to extract peat for horticulture.

"The ecosystem services peatlands provide – such as water filtration, flood mitigation and carbon capture – are much more valuable to society than their use after being dug up."

He continued: "Across Scotland, lowland bogs need restoration with approximately 90% being damaged or destroyed. If restored, this site could be rich with peat specialist plants such as cranberry, heather and sundew, to provide crucial habitat for wildlife such as breeding snipe and wintering merlins."

(JP/CD)