Conference Series | IUCN UK Peatland Programme

Hand laid on a blanket of wet Sphagnum moss

Sphagnum mosses holding water. Credit: South West Peatland Partnership.

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

31 August - 2 September, Exeter, England

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The IUCN UK Peatland Programme provides a valuable convening function.

Our annual conferences present opportunities for policy makers, scientists, land managers and practitioners from different disciplines to share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of peatland conservation and management.

Below you will find summaries of our conference series to date.

Aerial view of Crymlyn Bog with Swansea University Bay Campus and Swansea Bay in the distance.

2026 - Peatlands Under Pressure

The 16th conference brought together experts and practitioners in Swansea, Wales, to examine the challenges facing peatlands today—from development pressures and intensive land management to the impacts of a changing climate.

Bog pools on a peatland site.

2025 - Water Connections: from Source to Sea

Our second conference in Northern Ireland focused on the role of the water environment in peatland management and restoration.

Braeriach, Lairig Ghru and Strathspey

2024 - Peatlands, People and Nature

This conference showcased the opportunities that peatland restoration and healthy peatlands present in transitioning to a green economy, and their role as nature-based solutions which support people and biodiversity.

Canal boats are moored along a river with trees reflecting in the water

2023 - Beyond Restoration

Our 2023 conference allowed us to take a look into the future of peatland management and explore how to secure the future of UK peatlands.

People sat on stage participating in a panel discussion

2022 - Peatlands: Delivering effective plans and strategies on the ground

This conference focused on how peatland restoration can be delivered at scale, building on the knowledge gained from projects around the UK.

Screenshot of presentation slide

2021 - Peatlands in Partnership: a road to recovery

This year's theme brought a focus on peatlands and the people behind them, exploring conservation, restoration and sustainable management.

Screenshot of 9 people on a Zoom webinar

2020 - Peatlands: From Strategy to Action

This online event explored the vital role that healthy peatlands play in society’s adaptability, resilience and recovery.

Audience sat on a peatland watching a man pointing and talking

2019 - Peatlands: Investing in the Future

This conference in Belfast celebrated the 10th year of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme partnership.

People standing on a peatland at the 2018 conference

2018 - Peatlands Connections: Building Prosperity

With public benefit in mind, this conference explored innovative solutions to commonly faced issues around sustainable peatland management.

A cloudy view over fields

2017 - BogFest

BogFest was held in partnership with Moors for the Future Partnership in Edale, Derbyshire.

People watching a presentation in a lecture theatre

2016 - Creating a legacy for peatlands

This conference explored creating a lasting structure in a changing world, securing the future of UK peatlands and the benefits they provide.

2014 conference holding slide with yellow and red Sphagnum moss

2014 - Peatland Action: Learning from success

Talks included the benefits of peatlands for tackling climate change and helping reduce the costs of drinking water treatment.

2013 conference programme cover

2013 - Investing in Peatlands: Partnership for a New Peatland Era

This conference had a broad range of interests being represented from research, policy, land management and the business community.

2012 conference programme cover

2012 - Investing in Peatlands - Demonstrating Success

This was a joint conference with the British Ecological Society in Bangor.

2011 conference programme cover

2011 - Investing in Peatlands: Delivering Multiple Benefits

This conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange and networking between peatland practitioners, scientists and policy advisers.

2010 conference programme cover

2010 - Investing in Peatlands - the Climate Challenge

This conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange and networking between peatland practitioners, scientists and policy advisers.