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

 

Peat compost B&Q
The Wildlife Trusts unveil Peat-free Gardening Guide The Wildlife Trusts have unveiled a new handbook to help people go peat-free in their gardens and…
Restoration Risley Moss. Photo credit: Paul Thomas
Natural England launches peatland ‘toolbox talk’ on recognising archaeology during restorationNatural England worked with Wessex Archaeology to create a historic environment peatland ‘toolbox…
Ugie Peatland Partnership and Beam Suntory Landowner event
Ugie Peatland Partnership and Beam Suntory Landowner eventIn February 2023, RSPB as part of the Ugie Peatland Partnership, hosted an event, co-organised and…
Buchan Bog Buddies
Buchan Bog Buddies The RSPB and Aberdeenshire Rangers have been working with P6/P7 classes at New Pitsligo and…
Global Peatlands Initiative
Global Peatlands Initiative project: State of the Worlds Peatlands On the 17th of November 2022, at the UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, the Global Peatlands…
Area of Dartmoor undergoing restoration methods, January 2023
South West Peatland Partnership: Counting sheep to help restore peat across the UK's South WestPeatland restoration isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes a range of innovative techniques…
Birchinlee (c) Moors for the Future Partnership
Moors for the Future Partnership releases series of scientific and monitoring reports from MoorLIFE 2020 projectIn September 2022, MoorLIFE 2020, the landmark project which had been the focus of much of the work…
Sphagnum moss regrowth rewards the peatland restoration action undertaken by NPAP at Tywi Forest
Wales Peatland Action By mid-2022 National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP) could reflect on a successful initial two…
Cuilcagh Mountain after restoration work
Ulster Wildlife webinar: Lessons learned: 20+ years on from blanket bog restoration at Cuilcagh MountainJoin Ulster Wildlife, RPS Ireland and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to discuss what…
Peatland code version 2.0
Launch of the Peatland Code Version 2.0The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has today launched a new and highly anticipated update to the…
Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop
Save the Date: Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’Hosted by National Trust Marsden Moor, the ‘Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’…
Demonstrating Success cover art
Peat-free Horticulture Addendum: Further case studies released This addendum to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's 'Demonstrating Success - Peat-free Horticulture'…