Enhancing Scotland’s Blue Carbon

What was the aim of the work?

Natural Power was contracted by NatureScot in 2025 to develop a StoryMap to support the publications of the Scottish Blue Carbon Action Plan by Scottish Government. The StoryMap was designed to take viewers on a journey through Scotland’s blue carbon habitats, the role they play in mitigating climate change, and actions that can be taken to enhance blue carbon.

What was the outcome?

A StoryMap, titled “Enhancing Scotland's Blue Carbon” was published in September 2025 by NatureScot to support the Scottish Blue Carbon Action Plan, which was published recently by the Scottish Government.

What did Natural Power do to get this result and how did this benefit the client?

For this project, Natural Power’s geospatial team—comprising experienced Geographic Information System (GIS) consultants, ecological modellers, and graphic designers — collaborated to produce an interactive visual narrative. Our understanding of benthic data, combined with our expertise in engaging digital storytelling, enabled us to work effectively with the NatureScot team to support public engagement around Scotland’s Blue Carbon. Since going live in September last year, the website has received 904 views.

Client Feedback

"Natural Power really helped bring our Blue Carbon StoryMap vision to life. We wanted a StoryMap that gave a clear narrative about blue carbon: what it was, where blue carbon habitats were, and how it could be enhanced. Through various drafts, Natural Power helped craft an interactive StoryMap that conveyed what could have been a complex story in a simple and visually pleasing way. In particular, Leeanne’s skills with graphic design and geospatial analysis meant that we felt we got the most out of the tools supplied by ArcGIS. This includes the use of maps within the StoryMap to explore where blue carbon habitats are found across Scotland. We’ve had great feedback from the StoryMap both internally and externally and are happy with the final product."

Dr Kelly Saunders, Benthic Ecology and Modelling Adviser, NatureScot