The Peatland Code is a voluntary standard for UK peatland projects wishing to market the climate benefit of peatland restoration.
News & Events
18/02/19Moving towards a future of peat-free products
Cheap, usually imported, bags of peat do not reflect the environmental costs to society caused by peat mining and are undercutting the production and supply of peat-free materials. Advances in the development of peat-free horticultural products, means that the UK could establish its own long-term viable industry providing sustainable soil conditioners and growing materials for amateur and professional gardeners
18/02/19The pain of a peat-free UK?
30 years ago Plantlife’s then CEO Jane Smart, now IUCN’s Global Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group and Director of IUCN’s Global Species Programme, launched an appeal to protect our peatlands, in what was Plantlife’s first campaign.
As Plantlife celebrates its 30th birthday much has changed however the drive to protect our special peatlands remains a critical environmental cause.
18/02/19Peat-free growing media - Promoting long-term growth and sustainable business
Peat as a growing medium ingredient is becomingly increasingly unacceptable and this has led in recent years to more and more use of peat-free growing media.
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The IUCN UK Peatland Programme exists to promote peatland restoration in the UK and advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice.
Our long term vision is that peatlands in the UK function to their full potential and that there is no further loss of peatland ecosystems, which will help to mitigate climate change. Investment in peatland restoration is needed now, securing the benefits they provide and avoiding the costly consequences of their deterioration.
The work of the Peatland Programme is overseen by a coalition of partner bodies including Defra, John Muir Trust, Moors for the Future Partnership, National Trust for Scotland, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, North Pennines AONB Partnership, RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Wildlife Trust, University of East London, University of Newcastle and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
The Programme is currently hosted by the Scottish and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts and primarily funded by The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust.
Images: Ben Hall/2020 Vision; Norrie Russell
UK Strategy
The UK Peatland Strategy aims to drive and co-ordinate action across the UK, supported by country level plans that will establish a course for peatland conservation and management at a more detailed level.
Publications and Resources
Find the latest briefings and reports from the IUCN UK Peatland Programme.
UK Peatland Restoration: Demonstrating Success
 Emma Goodyer (2).jpg "UK Peatland Restoration: Demonstrating Success")
Demonstrating Success is a publication from the IUCN UK Peatland Programme showcasing successful peatland restoration projects from across the UK.
