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. The work of the Peatland Programme is overseen by a coalition of environmental bodies including the John Muir Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, North Pennines AONB Partnership, Moors for the Future and the University of East London.
About Us
News & Event Headlines
24/09/13News from IUCN UK PP - New Era for Peatlands Partnership Conference, York 2013
A new era for peatlands was announced by Minister for the Environment Richard Benyon at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s conference in York 10-12th September 2013, saying that on ‘our watch’ we can restore up to a million hectare of peatlands following the challenge from the IUCN UK Peatland Programme to reach this target by 2020.
18/09/13A New Era for Peatlands Press Release
A new era for peatlands will be announced today with a million hectare peatland challenege issued by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme at its Conference in York today 10th September 2013.
12/07/13Managing the Land in a Changing Climate
This report is part of a series of progress reports by the Committee on Climate Change, Adaptation Sub-Committee to assess how the country is preparing for the risks and opportunities from climate change. The report focuses on England and gives an assessment of how climate change might affect the delivery of key ecosystem services including those provided by peatlands.
Restoration
There are global calls for urgent action to restore damaged peatlands to stop carbon loss and benefit from the ecosystem services of a healthy peatland.
Climate Change
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The UK's damaged peatlands emit 10 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere yearly. Restoring peatlands provides a cost effective means of reducing emissions.
Water
Peatlands play a key role in water resource management, storing a significant proportion of global freshwater resources and maintaining water quality.
Biodiversity
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Peatlands support many important species and unique ecosystems. Much of the UKs peatland is identified as internationally important under EU wildlife legislation.
State of the Peatlands
Of the world’s 175 peatland nations, the UK is among the highest emitters of CO2 from damaged peat, largely through drainage, burning, agriculture and forestry.
Burning
Burning of peatlands can have a damaging effect on sphagnum growth depending on the condition of the peatland and how the burn is conducted.
Historic Environment
The UK’s peatlands preserve a wealth of historical information, archaeological sites, and even ancient preserved human bodies of significant cultural value.
Sustainable Management
A broad range of national, EU and international policies impact on the sustainable management of peatlands, including climate, biodiversity and planning legislation.
