Land Use

The Land Use sub-group is currently working alongside IET and environmental analysts to establish the complex carbon flows for Islay’s land use. This involves identifying different land types, uses, agricultural practices and forest management. The group are also exploring the potential for improved methods and techniques, as well as seeking to understand the support needed for current land uses going forward.

The land use element of the Carbon Neutral Islands project is both interesting and complex because varying land types and practices both emit and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Future potential for the restoration of degraded peatlands, for example, may provide valuable insights for reducing the carbon footprint on Islay.



One key element is that of ‘blue carbon’, which refers to the carbon stored and sequestered by marine habitats. At present, an external consultant is establishing blue carbon estimates for the seabed within 3 miles of Islay’s shores.