Peatland benefits
The importance of peatlands comes from the remarkable and diverse ecosystem services they provide to society as well as their intrinsic value. Find out more about the benefits that they provide.
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New report highlights multiple benefits of peatland restoration around the world
A new report published today in Brussels highlights innovative projects from around the globe which are helping restore and conserve our threatened peatlands for the multi-benefits they bring to…
Evaluating the socio-economic benefits of peatland restoration
User Guide for practitioners interested in evaluating the socio-economic benefits of peatland restoration.
Water quality
The provision of water is an ecosystem service of peatlands. The British Isles are globally unique in sourcing their drinking water predominantly from peatlands - around 85% of all global drinking water sourced directly from peatlands is consumed in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Wild service tree
An inconspicuous tree for much of the year, the Wild service tree comes to life in spring, when it displays pretty, white blossom, and autumn, when its Maple-like leaves turn bright crimson.
Burning
Burning as a land management tool has been practiced for long periods of time in the UK – but the reasons and methods have altered over time. The overwhelming scientific evidence base points to burning on peatlands causing damage to key peatland species, peatland ecosystem health, and the sustainability of peatland soils.
Atmospheric pollution
Atmospheric pollutants are diverse in nature: they may be particulate (such as dust deposits), or they may be chemical (such as gaseous vehicle emissions). Peatlands are particularly vulnerable to atmospheric pollution as they receive high levels of precipitation (rain, sleet, snow or hail) and occult precipitation (fog, dew, mist or cloud water).
Development
Atmospheric pollutants are diverse in nature: they may be particulate (such as dust deposits), or they may be chemical (such as gaseous vehicle emissions). Peatlands are particularly vulnerable to atmospheric pollution as they receive high levels of precipitation (rain, sleet, snow or hail) and occult precipitation (fog, dew, mist or cloud water).
Adaptive management
Fully functioning, healthy peatlands with complex biodiversity can provide a multitude of different opportunities for farming, sporting or recreation.
Extraction
Peat extraction takes place mainly on lowland raised bogs for a range of activities including horticulture, whisky production and for animal bedding. This can pose a significant impact on peatland habitats, associated biodiversity and carbon storage.
Peat extraction (new page)
Peat extraction takes place mainly on lowland raised bogs for a range of activities including horticulture, whisky production and for animal bedding. This can pose a significant impact on peatland habitats, associated biodiversity and carbon storage.
Peatland conservation
Fully functioning, healthy peatlands with complex biodiversity can provide a multitude of different opportunities for farming, sporting or recreation.