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Remembering Stuart Brooks: A Champion for Peatlands

It is with great sadness we mourn the loss of Stuart Brooks, Co-Chair of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, peatland champion and committed conservationist.

Some of you may be aware that Stuart has been off work for some months now and we are sorry to share the news that he sadly passed away last week. 

Stuart was one of the original founders of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme in 2009 and has continually supported the programme in his role as Co-Chair. He began his peaty career in the 1990s, working alongside Rob Stoneman and Jonny Hughes on the Scottish Lowland Raised Bog project. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge of peatland ecosystems, policy and advocacy on the UK and global stages, representing the Programme through IUCN and the Global Peatlands Initiative. For those that had the good fortune to know Stuart, you will know that we have lost a good friend and true peatland champion.    

We offer our deepest condolences to Stuart’s family and share in the sadness that many in the conservation community will feel from his loss. A service will be held in Stuart’s memory at Dunblane Cathedral on 3rd January at 11:30am. 

Stuart Brooks in a grey fleece with rocks and mountains behind him.

Stuart Brooks, Co-Chair of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, who sadly passed away in December 2025.

Two men in suit jackets next to a sign saying 'IUCN World Conservation Congress'.

Stuart Brooks and Jonny Hughes at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2016.

A group of people in casual clothing smiling at the camera.

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme Steering Group at 'BogFest' our 2017 conference. Credit: Carl Whitman, Moors for the Future Partnership.

Three people in formal dress smiling at the camera. Jillian Hoy is holding a framed certificate.

Stuart Brooks and Jillian Hoy at the 2018 Nature of Scotland Awards, where the Peatland Code was Highly Commended in the 'Innovation' category.

A group of people in smart-casual clothing stood on a balcony and smiling at the camera.

Staff and steering group at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme conference 2018 in Balloch, Scotland.

Stuart Brooks on stage in front of a lectern. There is a screen behind him with the title 'UK Strategy summary of progress'.

Stuart Brooks chairing a session at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme conference 2023 in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Three people on stage before a conference session. Stuart is talking to a smiling Jess.

Stuart Brooks on stage at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme conference 2024 in Aviemore, Scotland.

Stuart Brooks stood at a lectern next to a slide saying 'What is peat and why does it matter?'

Stuart Brooks representing the IUCN UK Peatland Programme at the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in 2024. Credit: Jane Akerman.

Rob Stoneman, Stuart Brooks and Clifton Bain in tuxedoes.

Three founding members of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, Rob Stoneman, Stuart Brooks and Clifton Bain, at the Nature of Scotland Awards 2024. Credit: Jane Akerman.

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