Peatland Code

Image: Sphagnum riparium
© Charlie Campbell

Peatland Code

Action now to invest in peatlands will avoid far greater future costs to businesses and wider society from climate change and environmental harm resulting from damaged peatlands.

Natural capital is often overlooked: if too much is taken from a financial system we end up bankrupt or owing a debt. The natural world is the same. If we continue to take without replenishing stocks or allowing nature to recover we could end up with ecosystem collapse.

Supporting ecosystems through sustainable management, conservation and restoration can yield economic benefits by driving revenue and providing cost-savings. This creates scope and justification for business investment through natural capital. 

What is natural capital?
 “Stocks of assets in an ecosystem, which interacts to yield a flow of goods or services.”         Natural Capital Coalition

Peatland Code V2.0The Peatland Code is an example of natural capital financing. The Peatland Code is a voluntary standard for UK peatland projects wishing to market the climate benefit of restoration. 

The Peatland Code provides assurance and clarity for business and other investors in peatland restoration projects through independent validation and verification. The Peatland Code works on the basis that during restoration, carbon savings are made through rapid emissions reductions.

 

 

 

 

    More information: 

     

    IUCN UK Peatland Programme hosted a webinar in April 2023 re-introducing and exploring the updated Peatland Code Version 2.0. Key talks from the event can be accessed below.

    If you have any questions not addressed in these videos or you require further information, please contact peatlandcode@iucn.org.uk

    Salmon leaping out of the water. Image credit Stephen Barlow
    New species showcase - Atlantic salmonThe latest in our series of species showcases celebrates the Atlantic salmon and the role that…
    Exterior view of Virtual Peatland Pavilion showing four large domes in an urban landscape
    New Virtual Peatland Pavilion launched for COP29To raise awareness of the global importance of peatlands during COP29, the latest pavilion has been…
    Cover image for 'The most important plant in the world' showing the film's title in yellow text over a background of Sphagnum moss
    Specially commissioned film celebrates 'The most important plant in the world'The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has commissioned the first in a series of short films, celebrating…
    Cumbrian tarn - large body of water with emergent vegetation and hills in the distance. Image credit Steve Hewert.
    Launch of the Peatland Code Version 2.1The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has launched a new update to the Peatland Code, which helps to boost…
    Flat peatland landscape on fire with large plumes of smoke. Image credit Paul Turner
    New brief highlights the importance of peatland rewetting for wildfire resilienceThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme's latest publication explores recent evidence from the UK and North…
    Painting of a river in spate: Peter Graham 1866, 'A spate in the highlands'
    Call for proposals for Water Research Seminar SeriesThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and the Environment Agency are delighted to announce a series of…
    'Work in progress' sign with a digger on it next to two photographs of children drawing on large sheets of paper
    The Power of the Peat Bogs! How pupils turned their environmental education into a song Primary school pupils who have engaged with a project to restore ancient peatland and traditional…
    SWPP award
    South West Peatland Partnership awarded gold by Global Good AwardsThe South West Peatland Partnership won a Gold award at the Global Good Awards for their work…
    Exterior view of Virtual Peatland Pavilion showing four large domes in a desert landscape
    Seeking content for the COP29 Virtual Peatland PavilionThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Global Peatlands Initiative are seeking new content for an…
    UK Peatland Strategy
    New report celebrates UK peatland restoration – but climate and nature targets still at riskAnalysis reveals 250,000 hectares of peatland restoration activity over 30 years – way short of the…
    Peatland at Inshriach, Allt a’ Mharcaidh
    Largest ever gathering of UK peatland experts to celebrate ‘Peatlands, People and Nature’ in the Cairngorms National ParkAviemore in the Cairngorms National Park is to play host to the UK’s largest gathering of peatland…
    Landscape of mountains and forest
    View the full programme for #PeatConf24 and book your tickets now!The full programme for the IUCN UK Peatland Programme 2024 conference ‘Peatlands, People and Nature…