Conference 2027: Resilient Futures - Adapting, Advocating and Funding for Peatlands

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme Conference is the leading annual event for peatlands, and one of the UK's most successful nature restoration conferences. We are uniquely placed to bring together science, policy and practice, presenting an unmissable opportunity for multiple sectors to make meaningful connections, platform their values and experiences, and learn from each other. Our conferences contribute to evidence-led decision making and practice for the restoration and sustainable management of the UK's most abundant and important terrestrial habitats. 

Our 2027 conference will be held at the University of Exeter, bringing delegates together at one of the UK's leading sustainability-focused campuses. Set in the heart of Devon, Exeter provides an inspiring setting for collaboration, learning and networking, while offering easy access to diverse landscapes across the South West of England.

Our 17th annual conference is themed “Resilient Futures: Adapting, Advocating and Funding for Peatlands”, bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, private businesses and local communities to explore how the peatland sector can build resilience in the face of environmental, economic and political challenges. Against the backdrop of the climate and nature emergencies, the programme will examine how the sector can adapt to future uncertainties, responding and adapting to climate risks, and supporting sector capacity to meet increasingly ambitious restoration and management targets. It will also consider innovative approaches to securing long-term funding for peatland restoration and long-term management, while highlighting the vital role of advocacy in raising public awareness, influencing policy, and building lasting support for peatlands as a key nature-based solution.

Over three days, delegates will:

• Explore the key conference themes through interactive plenary discussions featuring keynotes from expert speakers.
• Share in-depth knowledge on a wide variety of peatland topics across science, policy and practice, in various presentation formats such as posters, short talks and workshops.
• Choose from a diverse menu of field visits to local restoration sites and different peatland habitats across the South West of England, exchanging knowledge on restoration practice, scientific monitoring, cultural heritage and community engagement.
• Network with peatland professionals from across the UK and beyond, making new connections to share best practice, innovation and solutions to shared challenges, and learn from each other long after the event itself.

Tickets and further information on how to get involved in Conference 2027 will be available from early 2027. We look forward to welcoming delegates, partners and supporters from across the peatland community to Exeter for another inspiring event. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our annual conference is the UK’s leading event for peatland conservation, restoration, and sustainable land management. Bringing together more than 350 delegates from across the environmental, policy, research, and land management sectors, it provides exceptional opportunities for networking, collaboration, and showcasing industry leadership.

There are a variety of ways to support and sponsor the IUCN UK Peatland Programme Conference 2027, from exhibition and engagement stands to pay-it-forward sponsorships which support greater diversity and inclusion at the event, as well as opportunities to sponsor our Photography Competition and Art Exhibition. Full details can be found in our sponsorship brochure.

We would be delighted to discuss how we can tailor a sponsorship package to align with your organisation’s objectives and visibility requirements, so please reach out to info@iucn.org.uk. 

Annual Lindsay Peatland Conservation Award 

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme invites members of the peatland community to nominate individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the field. This may include recognition of a lifetime of achievement, a particularly impactful contribution at a critical moment, innovative approaches to peatland management, outstanding local leadership, or the achievements of an early-career professional who has already made a significant difference.

Nominations will close on May 31st, 2027. Following the nomination process, members of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme will compile a shortlist, from which the winner will be selected. 

Previous recipients of the award include Richard Lindsay and Dr Peter Jones MBE, recognised for their outstanding and enduring contributions to peatland conservation, restoration, and advocacy.

The award will be presented at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme Annual Conference 2027 in Exeter, celebrating the dedication, expertise, and passion of those helping to advance peatland conservation, restoration, and sustainable management.

As a non-profit organisation, we are also seeking sponsorship for the award to help cover the cost of the trophy and support the successful nominee's attendance at the conference. If you are interested in supporting this important recognition, please see our conference sponsorship brochure for further information.

We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the individuals making a lasting difference for peatlands.

Travel and Accommodation

Exeter is easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient and sustainable destination for conference delegates. The city is served by regular direct rail services from London, the Midlands, the North and other parts of the South West, while Exeter St Davids station provides excellent onward connections. Local bus services connect the city centre, rail stations and the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, and Exeter Airport offers additional domestic and international travel options. Once in Exeter, the campus is well connected and easy to reach without a car. 

For delegates wishing to stay on site, campus accommodation will be available for booking directly through the University of Exeter, providing a convenient option within walking distance of the conference venue. 

Please note that, unlike previous years, the 2027 conference will not be delivered as a hybrid event. We recognise that not everyone will be able to attend in person, and therefore we plan to record as many conference sessions as possible. These recordings will be made publicly available on the IUCN UK Peatland Programme YouTube channel following the conference, enabling delegates and the wider peatland community to access and revisit key presentations, discussions and insights at their convenience.