AREAS of peatland in Inverclyde which have the potential to be restored are to be examined in a new study.

Following a successful bid by Inverclyde Council, the Peatland Action project will investigate portions of council-owned land in Greenock.

Consultants from Peatland Action - which is part of NatureScot - will carry out a feasibility study of land at Garvocks, Downies and Hardridge farm steadings on Old Largs Road.

Inverclyde Council says the tenants who farm them have been consulted and given permission for the investigation.

The restoration of peatland can help to reduce carbon emissions, as the waterlogged areas lock in carbon.

Peatland areas also provide rich habitats for local wildlife and can have flood management benefits.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said the news of the study is timely in the run-up to the high-profile COP26 summit in Glasgow in November.

He added: "We’re in a climate emergency and must do all we can individually and collectively to reduce carbon emissions and support initiatives that will help improve the environment.

"Peatlands in good health can be valuable carbon stores and contribute positively to reducing levels of CO2 for the benefit of residents and nature.

"It's important that we examine more closely the ways in which we can improve and indeed restore existing peatland areas in Inverclyde."

MP Ronnie Cowan was involved in discussions with NatureScot and Inverclyde Council about the feasibility and today welcomed the development.

Mr Cowan said: "I'm very pleased to hear that we have moved to the next stage and that peatland restoration on a significant scale is a real possibility in Inverclyde.

"We need to wait for the outcome of the feasibility study, but the experts that I have engaged with are already confident of the possibilities.

"This is one of a number of environmental projects I have been pursuing along with reforestation and micro forests.

"I believe Inverclyde has the potential to embrace these fascinating challenges."

The consultants carrying out the study in Inverclyde will be managed and funded by Peatland Action, with input from the council and the farmers.