A fresh environmental partnership between SP Energy Networks, the Galloway Fisheries Trust, and Forestry and Land Scotland is helping the waterways and wildlife of the south of Scotland to survive and thrive.

As part of its commitment to delivering "nature positive" operations and minimising environmental impacts, SP Energy Networks has completed extensive peatland restoration around Loch Moan. The initiative is designed to significantly enhance the health of Dumfries and Galloway's River Cree. Covering a footprint equivalent to roughly 32 football pitches, the project focused on rewetting previously forested peatland to allow water to flow naturally into the river. This process improves water quality, creates stronger conditions for local wildlife, and supports healthier fish populations.

The River Cree is a popular destination for angling, famous for its salmon and trout. It also hosts one of just three remaining populations of sparling in Scotland, a rare fish species reliant on clean, healthy water for survival.

Spanning 22.5 hectares in total, the revived peatland will play a crucial role in reinforcing the broader ecosystem for years to come. Healthy peatlands act as vital carbon stores, which release significant carbon emissions into the atmosphere if drained or damaged. By returning the land to waterlogged, "anoxic" conditions, the project reduces potential carbon emissions while simultaneously boosting water quality and supporting regional wildlife. Species expected to benefit include black grouse, reptiles, amphibians, and various other fauna dependent on rich, undisturbed natural habitats.

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The project is the newest scheme delivered under the utility firm's Action Plan for Nature, an initiative designed to ensure network infrastructure investments support Scotland's natural environment and local communities alongside powering homes and businesses.

Gill Renwick, Sustainability Manager for SP Energy Networks, said: "Our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we have a clear strategy for how we will minimise our impact on nature, first, ensuring no net loss of biodiversity by 2028 and then becoming nature positive by the end of this decade. Projects like this - improving natural habitats - are key to how we will get there and it's been great to work with Galloway Fisheries Trust and Forestry and Land Scotland to make this happen."

The site remains very wet and retains a strong presence of sphagnum moss, a key indicator species reflecting healthy peatland. This provides a promising outlook for the recovery of the site, indicating the land will continue to become greener, richer, and more biodiverse with each passing season.

Gill added: "It's wonderful to see our efforts are already having an impact. By bringing this area back to life, we're making a positive and long-lasting impact that will continue to ensure we provide a modern, reliable and resilient electricity network that works for both people and planet."

Dr Ed Turner, Planning & Environment Manager from Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), added: "A huge thank you to SP Energy Networks for backing this work. Peatland restoration is an important part of FLS' land management strategy, and in the right place, makes a long-term impact on carbon storage, water quality, and habitat provision. The partnership approach by SPEN and Galloway Fisheries Trust at Loch Moan has resulted in a really successful project delivery mechanism that we hope to continue to build upon."

Kacie Jess, Project Manager from Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT), said: "The River Cree is a special place, and work like this helps it in the ways that matter: cleaner water running off the land, more stable conditions, and a healthier river for fish and other wildlife. It's great to partner with an organisation that's not just talking about being 'nature positive' but backing it with real support on the ground."