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About us
To inspire action. To keep carbon where it belongs. To repair nature.
- Our Mission
The Crichton Carbon Centre is an independent, environmental not-for-profit organisation established in 2007. We specialise in peatland restoration, carbon management, sustainable land-use, socioecological art, and environmental education.
Our small team of experts, based in our Kirkgunzeon (Dumfries & Galloway) office, specialise in environmental restoration, art, and education. We offer advice and pragmatic solutions to landowners, contractors and consultants with a track record of successful projects.
We combine scientific research, practical knowledge and direct-action to achieve real results in sustainability by leading the way in taking climate action and building climate resilience, keeping carbon where it belongs.
We undertake both grant-funded and private contracted work. If you would like to work with us, please fill out the contact us form.
Crichton Carbon Centre is a Scottish registered charity (no. SC038915)
Engaging Talent. Passionately.
Balancing People and Environment. Collaboratively.
Exchanging Knowledge. Respectfully.
Saving the Carbon in Peatland. Carefully.
Educating People. Creatively.
Spreading Good Practice. Effectively.
Researching for Action. Pragmatically.
Valuing Ecosystems. Fairly.
Building Natural Capital. Continually.
Who We Are
Emily Taylor
Director
Greer Blackadder
Finance and Office Manager
Anna Basley
Peatland Programme Manager
Carys Mainprize
Education & Comms Officer
Vicky Johnson
Peatland Project Officer
Kerry Morrison
Artist and Creative Producer
Phoebe Gray
Project Officer
Robin Lloyd
Project Officer
Sam Webber
Project Officer
Lauren Parry
Wetlands and Landscape Lead
Our Trustees
The Crichton Carbon Centre is governed by a board of voluntary trustees who guide the direction of the centre and oversee decisions. They are:
Dr. Mary-Ann Smyth, Chair
Gillian Khosla
Dr Stephen Connelly
Additional input is provided by Alice Campbell, Associate Director.
Recent Work
Keeping Carbon Where it Belongs
The Flux Tower
In a forestry block in Dumfries and Galloway stands a 14 meter metal scaffold tower with sensitive instruments at the very top, measuring the greenhouse gas exchange between trees, the peatland, and the atmosphere. This Flux Tower was a partnership between several organisations and led by us to obtain data that will inform future policy and best practice. Read more here.
Peatland Action Restoration
Restoration of degraded, eroding and modified peatlands is one of the most effective ways of locking in carbon and offers a clear nature-based solution to both the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. During the 24/25 Winter period CCC restored hundreds of hectares across South West Scotland on behalf of Peatland ACTION, a national programme that supports the restoration of peatlands across Scotland.
CCC also deliver the Peatland ACTION restoration training programme, including practical mentoring schemes. Read more about our training experiences on our blog or how to sign up to receive training.
Repairing Nature
Resilient Hills
Pushing beyond the now well-established approaches to the restoration of deep peats to focus more attention on the techniques and management approaches that could be used on shallower peats to help reduce water loss and erosion. We want to understand how restoration can be targeted to best improve the resilience of our uplands while ensuring integration with land management practices, so it is complimentary to land management objectives and not seen as a compromise but a multi-benefit opportunity. Read our blog on our Sheep's Wool Trial, a Resilient Hills project, here.
Peatland Restoration Training and Mentoring
CCC works with Buccleuch Estates to monitor and restore their peatlands. CCC identified 28 sites on the estates where peatland can be restored. We deliver a range of peatland restoration training and events designed for contractors, land managers, and consultants who want to deepen their understanding of restoration planning, design, and delivery, including projects undertaken on behalf of Peatland ACTION and others. Our training combines technical knowledge with practical insight from active restoration work. We also run hands-on/mentoring sessions to give participants the opportunity to apply this learning in the field and gain more confidence and understanding of the practicalities of restoration
Inspiring Action
Socioecological Art
CCC welcomed Kerry to the team as a core member of staff and as our Socioecological Artist, making a commitment to engaging with communities and carrying out research through art practices. Read more here.
Introduction to Peatlands Qualification
Introduction to Peatlands: CCC developed a Customised Award qualification that is SCQF credit rated by SQA and is available to secondary schools. This comprehensive qualification covers everything pupils require to gain a solid understanding of peatlands. Read more here.
Education Programme
Our education programme goes from strength to strength: Biosphere Explorers links pupils to the local Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and its importance for protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability; Our Coast and Climate Change highlights the changes our coast and marine environments are experiencing and why; Peatland Mini Module introduces pupils to the peatland habitat, their role as carbon sinks or sources, and their precious biodiversity. See more here.
Achievements
