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.

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Peatland Programme

Our Vision

 

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, providing cost effective solutions for climate change, water and biodiversity. 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: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra); Moors for the Future Partnership; National Trust for Scotland; Natural England; Natural Resources Wales; North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership;  Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (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 Wildlife Trusts and primarily funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

'Work in progress' sign with a digger on it next to two photographs of children drawing on large sheets of paper
The Power of the Peat Bogs! How pupils turned their environmental education into a song Primary school pupils who have engaged with a project to restore ancient peatland and traditional…
SWPP award
South West Peatland Partnership awarded gold by Global Good AwardsThe South West Peatland Partnership won a Gold award at the Global Good Awards for their work…
Exterior view of Virtual Peatland Pavilion showing four large domes in a desert landscape
Seeking content for the COP29 Virtual Peatland PavilionThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Global Peatlands Initiative are seeking new content for an…
UK Peatland Strategy
New report celebrates UK peatland restoration – but climate and nature targets still at riskAnalysis reveals 250,000 hectares of peatland restoration activity over 30 years – way short of the…
Peatland at Inshriach, Allt a’ Mharcaidh
Largest ever gathering of UK peatland experts to celebrate ‘Peatlands, People and Nature’ in the Cairngorms National ParkAviemore in the Cairngorms National Park is to play host to the UK’s largest gathering of peatland…
Landscape of mountains and forest
View the full programme for #PeatConf24 and book your tickets now!The full programme for the IUCN UK Peatland Programme 2024 conference ‘Peatlands, People and Nature…
CivTech in white writing with blue background and outlines of scales, lightbulb and book
CivTech challenge invites ideas for Peatland Code and Woodland Carbon CodeProposals are being invited for the Scottish Government's CivTech Challenge 10.6 to use technology…
Talla Gameshope image
Changes to UK Land Carbon Registry feesFrom 1 November 2024, the fees charged to issue and convert units on the UK Land Carbon Registry…
Peatland with mountains on the background
Scottish peatland recognised as globally important by UNESCO World Heritage Site designation The Flow Country in the north of Scotland, Europe's largest expanse of blanket bog, has been…
Brown butterfly with black spots on pink bell shaped flower
New species showcase - large heathOur latest species showcase introduces the large heath butterfly, its association with two iconic…
Haresfoot cottongrass with blue sky in the background. Credit Laurie Campbell SNH
New briefing addresses the peatlands and methane debateThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme has launched a new briefing “Peatlands and Methane” that summarises…
Peatland with mountains in the background
New £3 million fund for peatland restoration in Northern IrelandApplications for the new £3million Peatland Challenge Fund to help protect Northern Ireland's…

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