Protecting Peatlands

Image: Ranoch Moor
© Derek Fergusson

Protecting Peatlands

Peatlands have a broad range of influences with different sectors of the land managing community pursuing their own objectives whether upland livestock farmers, lowland arable producers, water companies, sporting estates or nature conservation bodies. Others are interested in peatlands for recreation, cultural history or for some, their climate change role. A strategic approach is required to help address the different pressures and demands to secure the best long term solution for society in a way that takes account of these multiple interests.

Action taken now will avoid far greater costs to society in future. Such an important resource requires responsible management if we are to optimise the benefits and avoid the hugely damaging social and economic costs of environmental degradation. Securing the long term future of our peatlands and the vital services they provide, particularly in the face of an already changing climate, will be achievable if we take a strategic approach, as recommended by IUCN Resolution 043 “Securing the future for global peatlands”.
 

Below: 10 strategic actions for peatlands as identified by the UN FAO and Wetlands International (UK Peatland Strategy)

Strategic actions for protecting pealtands

 

Dryhope 2017
Major milestone in peatland restoration as first blended finance project is verifiedThis month marks a very important milestone for the IUCN UK Peatland Programme’s Peatland Code, as…
People grouped together, standing and sitting on a baled crop.
Opportunity to contribute to the understanding of the constraints and opportunities for agricultural lowland peat Views are being sought from a range of stakeholders who have experience of, or are interested in,…
Exterior view of Virtual Peatlands Pavilion showing four large domes in a peat swamp forest
The Virtual Peatlands Pavilion Word Tour continues at Ramsar COP15The next stop for the immersive digital library of peatland resources is Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe,…
Person smiling and pointing at a sign saying '#BeMoreMoss'. Credit Vicky Akerman
Announcing Peat-Fest South-West 2025 – a celebration of our peatland connectionsThe Art and Energy Collective has been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to…
Windfarm on peatland site
National Policy Statements public consultationOpportunity to contribute to public consultation on National Policy Statements to support Clean…
Line of fire being set by a vehicle with people on the back as part of swaling. Credit Heather Lowther (Creative Commons)
Public consultation on heather and grass burning regulations in EnglandThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme has responded to Defra’s proposal to protect a greater extent of…
Cross section of bare peat
New Peat Map for EnglandThis week Natural England published the much anticipated England Peat Map which highlights the…
IUCN World Conservation Congress logo
Peatland motion headed to World Conservation Congress for considerationThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme-led motion to develop a unified definition of peatlands has…
Area of burnt vegetation on national park in Northumberland
A collection of three Natural England reports marks a step change for English peatlandsWe summarise three new reports from Natural England which have important implications for English…
Neolithic trackway on Hatfield Moors. Credit: Henry Chapman Uni of Birmingham
New publication: Tracks and roads on peatlandsThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme are pleased to publish our latest brief focusing on the impacts of…
Peatland landscape showing flux tower and solar panel with a blue sky and hills in the background. Image credit Hollie Cooper, UKCEH
Funding announced for greenhouse gas reduction solutions on peatlandsThe UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is seeking proposals for projects up to £75,000 to advance…
Hare's tail cottongrass on Humberhead levels
Committee on Climate Change (CCC) 7th Carbon Budget Report - a response from IUCN UK Peatland ProgrammeThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme welcomes this week the publication of the Committee on Climate…