Fully functioning, healthy peatlands with complex biodiversity can provide a multitude of different opportunities for farming, sporting or recreation.

The provision of water is an ecosystem service of peatlands. The British Isles are globally unique in sourcing their drinking water predominantly from peatlands - around 85% of all global drinking water sourced directly from peatlands is consumed in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Peatlands are not only an important source of water in the UK - they are also key ecosystems in regulating water flows and reducing the risk of floods.

Peatlands are not only an important source of water in the UK - they are also key ecosystems in regulating water flows and reducing the risk of floods.

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.