The IUCN UK Peatland Programme advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice.
Desmids of peatlands © Emma Goodyer
Latest News
Latest News
Forestry Commission Scotland on the look out for contractors
July 12, 2017
Peatland restoration is now a mainstream activity for Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) across the National Estate. During the summer of 2017 FCS will be publishing a procurement tender to appoint suitably qualified and experienced contractors to a national framework, with an estimated value of between £8m and £12m. The framework will run for up to four years and deliver all of the peatland restoration on the National Estate, including excavator based tree recycling and rewetting works and manual rewetting works.
Forest-to-Bog Restoration: a new best practice procedure
June 30, 2017
A recent paper in the Scottish Forestry Journal (Scottish Forestry Volume 71, No.1 Spring/Summer 2017) looked at the impact of forestry operations on globally important freshwater pearl mussel populations and mitigation measures to conserve mussels. Many forestry plantations were created on peat soils requiring extensive drainage systems that then feed into natural watercourses. These drains release significant amounts of sediment and nutrients into natural watercourses to the detriment of freshwater pearl mussel populations as well as other aquatic animals.
Job Opportunities (June 2017)
June 27, 2017
A list of currently advertised jobs in the peatland community. Please note this list is not exhaustive, but includes opportunities that have been shared with the team.
Flow Country exhibition launched in Edinburgh
June 26, 2017
Royal Botanic Garden is the first venue for an important exhibition which will tour across the United Kingdom.
A New Management Approach for Grouse Moors
June 22, 2017
Recently, IUCN UK Peatland Programme met with staff from Moorland Association, Natural England and North Pennines AONB Partnership at Wemmergill Estate, near Barnard Castle, to discuss how to deliver healthy blanket bog on an active moorland grouse estate.
Crossing the Moss: The Story of a Solway Moss and the Solway Junction Railway
June 19, 2017
In the late 1860s, a railway – the Solway Junction Railway (SJR) – was constructed across the ‘Moss’ of Bowness Common. Where it met the Solway Firth, it soared above the waves to Annan on the Scottish side, across the Solway Viaduct – a structure that was “light and elegant, and in the full tide [had] the semblance of a piece of enchanted workmanship resting on the bosom of the racing waters”.
Going to The Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh this weekend (22-25th June) or the Scone Game Fair in Perth (30th June- 2nd July)?
June 19, 2017
Well, if you’re a landowner in Scotland with an area of peatland, such as a blanket bog or lowland raised bog, then funding is available to restore these extremely important habitats.
Peatland motion headed to World Conservation Congress for considerationThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme-led motion to develop a unified definition of peatlands has…
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…
New publication: Tracks and roads on peatlandsThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme are pleased to publish our latest brief focusing on the impacts of…
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…
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…
New species showcase - Water voleContinuing the spotlight on peatland biodiversity, our first Species Showcase of 2025 is the Water…
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…
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…
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…
Public Consultation for Biodiversity Quantification MethodologyThe Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code are pleased to announce their public consultation…
Natural Resources Wales announces new funding for peatland restorationA new restoration fund, managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), was launched this week in an…
Reflecting on 2024: a busy year for peatlandsAs the year draws to a close, the IUCN UK Peatland Programme looks back on 2024.