Peeswit Moss. Credit Emma Hinchliffe
Bog Day
Celebrating the brilliance of bogs
Bog Day is celebrated around the world every year on the fourth Sunday in July. This year we will be celebrating the brilliance of bogs on Sunday 27 July 2025.
This annual event, in celebration of bogs, fens, swamps and marshes, is an opportunity to raise awareness of all peatlands – the benefits they provide, the threats they face and the ways we can all help protect them.
Explore our Bog Day content below to find resources, events and projects from partners around the world working to conserve, restore and enhance our brilliant bogs. You can also find out what peatlands are and why they are so special.
If you take part in any Bog Day events, share them with us using the hashtag #InternationalBogDay!
Events
To find a Bog Day event, head to our Events webpage and search for ‘Bog Day’.
If you would like us to list a Bog Day event, please email info@iucn.org.uk with the details.
Credit Exmoor Mires Partnership
Resources
Visit our Bog Day resources webpage to find a range of activities and information for all ages from the Peatland Programme and our partners, as well as branding resources to help you promote your Bog Day event.
Fun facts
What are bogs?
Bogs are a type of peatland. Peatlands have many names – bogs, mosses, mires, fens. They are all formed on peat - a type of carbon rich soil which is created when plants die in waterlogged conditions and so don’t rot down. Find out more on our About Peatlands webpage.
Where are bogs found?
Bogs and other types of peatlands are found in 180 countries worldwide and span across all continents, from naturally forested peatlands in Europe and tropical peat swamp forests in Southeast Asia, to vast permafrost areas of Russia and Canada, and high mountain peatlands of the Andes and Himalayas. The UK’s peatlands are globally important, with 13% of the world’s blanket bogs found here.
Map showing global peatland cover (%)
What is peat?
Peat is a type of carbon rich soil that forms from the remains of plants in wet, waterlogged conditions. It doesn’t rot (or does so very, very slowly) so the layers of peat build up and can be very deep. In fact, in the UK, peat soils typically only accumulate at around 1 mm every year so 1 m of peat can take up to 1,000 years to form!
Why are bogs important?
Bogs are not only beautiful, dramatic landscapes, full of inspiring wildlife, but also provide us with some very useful services, vital to our own survival. Their protection is necessary to avoid adverse economic and environmental impacts. Some key services that bogs provide include:
What are some of the problems and threats faced by our bogs?
Peatlands are in trouble. Globally, 25% of peatlands have been destroyed, whilst here in the UK at least 80% are believed to be damaged. The damage comes from a range of pressures, some of which are historic issues which continue to damage our peatlands. Find out more on our Threats to Peatlands webpages and learn what is being done to help repair the damage on our Protecting Peatlands webpages.
What can I do to help make a difference?
There are lots of ways to help – from volunteering at your local bog to buying peat-free products. Find out more on our Get Involved webpage.
Curlew. Credit Damian Waters (drumimages.co.uk)