About Peatlands
Find out more about peatlands including what they are and why they are important.
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Peatland addition to the UK GHG inventory adds 3.5% to national emissions
The end of January saw the long awaited, formal inclusion of peatlands in the UK GHG emissions inventory.
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.
Wales Peatland Action
The restoration aims for Wales Peatland Action is gathering further momentum as 1650 hectares of peatland are put on the road to restoration in first two years of the programme.
Peatland Code
Launched in 2015, the Peatland Code is a voluntary certification standard developed and managed by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme. It plays a pivotal role in the fight against climate change by providing a rigorous, science-backed framework for generating independently verified carbon credits from peatland restoration. It ensures that restoration projects deliver real, measurable climate benefits. Currently work is also underway to quantify the biodiversity uplift of Peatland Code projects in a robust way. Using the Peatland Code means investing in nature-based solutions that benefit people, planet, and biodiversity.
The Peatland Code is a key component of the wider work of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP), which has been promoting the restoration and sustainable management of UK peatlands since 2009. Through strong science, sound policy, effective practice, and collaborative partnerships, the Programme advocates for the many benefits peatlands offer from biodiversity and water quality to climate resilience.
The Peatland Code is a key component of the wider work of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP), which has been promoting the restoration and sustainable management of UK peatlands since 2009. Through strong science, sound policy, effective practice, and collaborative partnerships, the Programme advocates for the many benefits peatlands offer from biodiversity and water quality to climate resilience.
Yorkshire Peat Partnership: Peatland Restoration Practitioner training course
Sign up to Peatland Restoration Practitioner training course with Yorkshire Peat Partnership.
Global Peatlands Initiative project: State of the Worlds Peatlands
Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI) launches its Global Peatlands Assessment - The State of the World’s Peatlands - at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) taking place…
An update on the Peatland Code
The Peatland Code continues to grow rapidly with 79 projects now registered and 10,300 ha of expected peatland restoration.
Defra triples area of England's peatlands protected from burning
The IUCN UK Peatland Programme welcomes the announcement from Defra this week regarding the ban on the use of burning as a management tool on peat over 30 cm deep within the least favoured area (…
Ugie Peatland Partnership and Beam Suntory Landowner event
In February 2023, RSPB as part of the Ugie Peatland Partnership, hosted an event, co-organised and funded by Beam Suntory, to bring together landowners with peatlands in the Ugie catchment.
Peatlands and the climate emergency
2019 has seen all four devolved governments across the UK declare a climate emergency.
New animation explores drainage impacts on a raised bog
A new animation explores the hydrological basis of raised bogs, considering what happens to them when they are damaged by drainage, peat cutting or agricultural land-claim, and suggests ways to…