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

 

Molinia Mulching Agglestone Mire, remover higher tussocks to increase the connectivity of the floodplain (c) Sally Wallington
Dorset peatland restorationThe Dorset Peat Partnership completed the first of their sixteen peatland restoration sites in…
Work begins at Duchal Moor. © Giulia Spilotros/Glasgow Green Network Clyde Valley
Council leads the way with major peatland restoration project A three-year project to restore an area of peatland larger than 780 football pitches in Inverclyde…
Eyes on the Bog logo
Funding for Eyes on the Bog users Our Eyes on the Bog Fund aims to support existing Eyes on the Bog users to purchase new equipment,…
Forest to Bog Restoration cover image and example spread
New report showcases successes in forest to bog restoration'Forest to Bog Restoration: Demonstrating Success', the fourth publication the series, highlights…
Sphagnum pulchrum © Brian Eversham
Don't miss our 'Measuring biodiversity: from principles to practice' webinar!Join the IUCN UK Peatland Programme for this free webinar as we explore traditional and…
Sphagnum lindbergii (c) Emma Hinchliffe
Introducing our species showcasesThroughout 2024, we are celebrating peatland biodiversity through a series of monthly showcases…
Emperor moth (C) Pete Quinn
Come and volunteer with us!We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Communications Volunteer who can help us with our…
Snowdon (c) Marian Pye
Fill in the PeatQuest Survey to shape global peatland researchThe PeatQuest Research Project team are inviting you to participate in their global survey, as your…
Peter Jones
New Year Honours for peatland specialistNatural Resources Wales’ senior peatland specialist, Dr Peter Jones, has been awarded an MBE for…
Saltyco Engine Farm Paludiculture trials (C) E Hinchliffe
Paludiculture call for evidence for Peatland CodePlease fill in our survey! We are inviting evidence for all paludiculture sites and all crop types…
Screenshot of Virtual Peatland Pavilion
New Virtual Peatland PavilionThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Richard Lindsay have produced a new Virtual Peatland Pavilion,…
Clifton Bain (c) IUCN UK PP
Clifton Bain retires after 14 yearsAfter 14 years at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, our Programme Advisor Clifton Bain, is retiring.…