Peatland habitats
Learn more about the variety of peatland habitats and how they can look strikingly different from each other.
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New briefing highlights complexity of UK peatland habitats and calls for comprehensive descriptions
The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has launched a new briefing “UK Peatland Habitats: From broad definitions to contextual descriptions” that explores the challenges of describing UK peatland habitats…
Defra announce plans to prevent burning of vegetation on protected blanket bog habitats.
The government announced plans to bring forward legislation to prevent the burning of heather and other vegetation on protected blanket bog habitats.
Biodiversity
Peatlands form the UK’s largest extent of semi-natural habitat and play an important role in conserving a wide range of species. Many of these species are rare and/or declining and are priorities for conservation action.
Peatland Code
Launched in 2015, the Peatland Code is a voluntary certification standard developed and managed by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme. It plays a pivotal role in the fight against climate change by providing a rigorous, science-backed framework for generating independently verified carbon credits from peatland restoration. It ensures that restoration projects deliver real, measurable climate benefits. Currently work is also underway to quantify the biodiversity uplift of Peatland Code projects in a robust way. Using the Peatland Code means investing in nature-based solutions that benefit people, planet, and biodiversity.
The Peatland Code is a key component of the wider work of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP), which has been promoting the restoration and sustainable management of UK peatlands since 2009. Through strong science, sound policy, effective practice, and collaborative partnerships, the Programme advocates for the many benefits peatlands offer from biodiversity and water quality to climate resilience.
The Peatland Code is a key component of the wider work of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP), which has been promoting the restoration and sustainable management of UK peatlands since 2009. Through strong science, sound policy, effective practice, and collaborative partnerships, the Programme advocates for the many benefits peatlands offer from biodiversity and water quality to climate resilience.
An update on the Peatland Code
The Peatland Code continues to grow rapidly with 79 projects now registered and 10,300 ha of expected peatland restoration.
Wales Peatland Action
The restoration aims for Wales Peatland Action is gathering further momentum as 1650 hectares of peatland are put on the road to restoration in first two years of the programme.
Carbon Storage and Sequestration by Habitat 2021 (NERR094)
A new Natural England Research Report reviews the scientific evidence base relating to carbon storage and sequestration by semi-natural habitats, in relation to their condition and/or management…
Peatland Code Restoration
This page explains the processes of completing restoration of a Peatland Code site.
Using the Peatland Code
A guide to how to use the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's Peatland Code to restore your peatland using carbon credits.
NEW Peatland training - part 1
The first part of a peatland training programme introducing key peatland concepts with a focus on key issues relevant to the UK is now available.
Peatland Code Governance
The governance of the structure of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's Peatland Code including how decisions are made.