About the Peatland Programme

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme was set up in 2009 to promote peatland restoration in the UK. The Programme 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, Natural England and the University of East London.

A three year programme of work has been developed to provide a ‘conservation quartet’ consisting of partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice. One of the overarching themes for this work is the promotion of the multiple benefits of peatlands to society

Our work will

    •    Provide a focus for peatland research and management
    •    Offer credible messages for decision makers
    •    Facilitate consensus building and knowledge exchange
    •    Highlight the benefits and values of peatland ecosystem services

Programme objectives

1. Inform policy and legislation at international, EU, UK and devolved country level to ensure effective conservation and restoration of peatlands and secure long term funding and regulatory support for the sustainable management of peatlands.
2. Champion peatlands and their plight to decision makers and the public by promoting their environmental, social, cultural and economic values.
3. Improve knowledge and understanding of peatland conditions and their functions, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and water management.
4. Improve information sharing and knowledge exchange within the community of peatland practitioners, policy makers and researchers.
5. Promote good practice within industry, the private landowning and business sector to help conserve peatlands and identify the economic opportunities for the private sector from peatland restoration.

Read the Peatland Programme Business Strategy.

The Peatland Programme is funded by the Peter De Haan Charitable Trust.