In May, Environment Minister Andrew Muir launched a new £3million Peatland Challenge Fund to help protect our peatlands, which is open for applications until 19 June. 

He explained:

“Our peatlands are of enormous importance to our environment, affecting our water quality, conserving biodiversity and in mitigating climate change by storing carbon, so I am delighted to announce the opening of this £3 million competition fund. It provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help improve the conditions of our peatlands, many of which are sadly in poor condition."

Councils and voluntary organisations can now apply to the Fund Competition which offers a minimum grant of £50,000 for projects that will protect and improve our environment by restoring peatlands.

DAERA’s Environment Fund has, over recent years, helped multiple councils and not-for-profit organisations to restore local peatland sites. This includes Ulster Wildlife who have worked with DAERA’s Forest Service, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and others to protect and enhance these vital habitats.

Read about local peatland restoration projects with Ulster Wildlife to inspire your application to the DAERA’s Peatland Challenge Fund.

Further information, including, eligibility, guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website.