Latest News

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

October update: Moors for Future Partnership

October 20, 2016
Environment Agency explore flood risk management potential in South Pennines SAC Earlier this month the Moors for the Future team hosted a visit from the Environment Agency Yorkshire team. They were looking at flood risk management potential offered by blanket bog restoration work.

Nature survey launched to track the pace of autumn

October 18, 2016
A major citizen science study is being launched in the Peak District and South Pennines area to gather information about the arrival of autumn. The Community Science project – set up by the Moors for the Future Partnership and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund – is asking people to record signs of autumn in a bid to track the effects of climate change on the natural world.

World leading scientists disagree with message from IPC Congress

October 17, 2016
A number of the world's leading researchers and practitioners have come together to publish a letter in Global Change Biology to correct statements from the 16th International Peat Congress held in Kuching this summer, which supported the view that agricultural practices, such as oil palm plantations, on peatlands did not have a negative effect on the environment. The article has 139 authors, representing 115 government, academic, industry and non-governmental organisations from 20 countries.  

Citizen science project shows remarkable moorland recovery

September 22, 2016
Four years of dedicated events and training has helped develop a new understanding of the peat-forming bog mosses of the Peak District and South Pennines moorlands.

IMCG Field Syposium in SE Asia

September 22, 2016
This August, the International Mires & Conservation Group (IMCG) Field Symposium was held in Borneo and peninsular Malaysia and was attended by Rob Stoneman and Joanna Richards from the IUCN UK Peatland Programme. The 10-day trip was led by the Global Environment Centre team, who are locally active, and visited several tropical peat swamps across Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and peninsular Malaysia.

Uncertainty and opportunity ahead: peatlands post-Brexit

September 22, 2016
The fantastic outcome of a peatland resolution from the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawaii reminds us of the global imperative to protect and enhance our peatlands. Decades of peatland restoration work in the UK has gained international recognition and we are seen to be leading the way for other peatland nations.  Whilst pausing for a pat on the back we must also focus on putting in place a lasting framework to protect, enhance and sustainably manage our peatlands so that we can continue to provide an example.

LIFE+ Project launches website

September 21, 2016
Natural England's Humberhead Peatlands BogLIFE project has launched a new website: humberheadpeatlands.org.uk. 

Person smiling and pointing at a sign saying '#BeMoreMoss'. Credit Vicky Akerman
Announcing Peat-Fest South-West 2025 – a celebration of our peatland connectionsThe Art and Energy Collective has been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to…
Windfarm on peatland site
National Policy Statements public consultationOpportunity to contribute to public consultation on National Policy Statements to support Clean…
Line of fire being set by a vehicle with people on the back as part of swaling. Credit Heather Lowther (Creative Commons)
Public consultation on heather and grass burning regulations in EnglandThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme has responded to Defra’s proposal to protect a greater extent of…
Cross section of bare peat
New Peat Map for EnglandThis week Natural England published the much anticipated England Peat Map which highlights the…
IUCN World Conservation Congress logo
Peatland motion headed to World Conservation Congress for considerationThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme-led motion to develop a unified definition of peatlands has…
Area of burnt vegetation on national park in Northumberland
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…
Neolithic trackway on Hatfield Moors. Credit: Henry Chapman Uni of Birmingham
New publication: Tracks and roads on peatlandsThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme are pleased to publish our latest brief focusing on the impacts of…
Peatland landscape showing flux tower and solar panel with a blue sky and hills in the background. Image credit Hollie Cooper, UKCEH
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…
Hare's tail cottongrass on Humberhead levels
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…
Water vole sitting with blackberries
New species showcase - Water voleContinuing the spotlight on peatland biodiversity, our first Species Showcase of 2025 is the Water…
Digger being used to carry out peat bog restoration. Photo: Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
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…
Image advertising launch of the CivTech Round 10 Challenge
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…