Could Scotland gain a new Unesco World Heritage site?
Could these peatlands make the list?
- Published
A wild area in the far north of Scotland is soon expected to receive a decision about whether it has made it onto the list of World Heritage sites.
The Flow Country covers 4,000 sq km and is the world's largest area of blanket bog, which is a rare type of peatland that covers the land in moss.
It's also home to lots of rare and endangered birds and insects.
If the area is awarded Unesco World Heritage status, the organisation looking after the Flow Country say that it could increase sustainable tourism and help communities engage with the environment.
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An animal lookout in the Flow Country
The Flow Country started their application to be a World Heritage site back in 2019, and a final decision is expected in a few days' time.
Organisations like the RSPB, NatureScot and the Highland Council have been working together on the bid.
The area's blanket bog landscape is unique, with the peat up to 10m deep in some places - enough to sink a double decker bus completely!
What is a Unesco World Heritage site?
Places on the World Heritage List include the Taj Mahal in India, the Grand Canyon in the US and the Lake District in England
World Heritage sites are recognised by Unesco, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
According to Unesco, World Heritage sites are "places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity".
When a site gets added to their World Heritage List, Unesco say that it should be "protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy".
There's a set of rules that a place should follow if it wants to be added to the list - for example, being an area of exceptional beauty, or having an interesting story that shows its importance in history.
What is peatland?
Peatland is an important part of the natural world
Peat is a special type of mud that forms when plants die and break down. As the material is naturally full of carbon, it was traditionally used as a fuel source.
The thick blanket bog of peat that covers the Flow Country has developed because of the cold, damp conditions in the area.
Peatlands provide a diverse ecosystem, which means lots of different animals rely on the land for their home.
The Flow Country is home to lots of protected creatures, including the Eurasian otter and white-tailed sea eagle.