About Us

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.

Image © Clifton Bain

About Us

"The IUCN is a powerful Union for sustaining life and livelihoods
IUCN is a democratic membership Union which brings together the world’s most influential organisations in a combined effort to conserve nature and accelerate the transition to sustainable development."
  IUCN, 2019

IUCN Corporate brochure

The IUCN UK Peatland Project is one of several projects governed by the IUCN National Committee UK

The IUCN UK PP is one project under the IUCN National Committee UK

 

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme was set up in 2009 to promote peatland restoration in the UK. The Programme advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice. 

Our work

    •    Provides a focus for peatland research and management
    •    Offers credible messages for decision makers
    •    Facilitates consensus building and knowledge exchange
    •    Highlights the benefits and values of peatland ecosystem services
 

Programme objectives

  1. Inform policy and legislation at international, EU, UK and devolved country level to ensure effective conservation and restoration of peatlands and secure long term funding and regulatory support for the sustainable management of peatlands.
  2. Champion peatlands and their plight to decision makers and the public by promoting their environmental, social, cultural and economic values.
  3. Improve knowledge and understanding of peatland conditions and their functions, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and water management.
  4. Improve information sharing and knowledge exchange within the community of peatland practitioners, policy makers and researchers.
  5. Promote good practice within industry, the private landowning and business sector to help conserve peatlands and identify the economic opportunities for the private sector from peatland restoration.

Annual Reports 

To view and download our 2023/24 annual report click here.

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…
Water vole sitting with blackberries
New species showcase - Water voleContinuing the spotlight on peatland biodiversity, our first Species Showcase of 2025 is the Water…
Digger being used to carry out peat bog restoration. Photo: Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
Adoption of University of Cumbria PhD student’s carbon calculator brings national and international significanceThis week University of Cumbria and Barker and Bland Ltd.’s innovative carbon calculator has been…
Image advertising launch of the CivTech Round 10 Challenge
CiVTech innovators leading drive for advances within Peatland and Woodland Carbon CodesBringing efficiences to the Peatland Code and Woodland Carbon Code is the focus for three…
Interior of the Virtual Peatlands Pavilion, showing the information desk with a giant dragonfly and globe suspended above it.
Embark on a voyage of discovery with the Virtual Peatlands Pavilion 2025 world tour To raise awareness of the global distribution and importance of peatlands, the Virtual Peatlands…
Image of a computer screen displaying a survey
Public Consultation for Biodiversity Quantification MethodologyThe Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code are pleased to announce their public consultation…