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

    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…
    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…
    CivTech in white writing with blue background and outlines of scales, lightbulb and book
    CivTech challenge invites ideas for Peatland Code and Woodland Carbon CodeProposals are being invited for the Scottish Government's CivTech Challenge 10.6 to use technology…
    Talla Gameshope image
    Changes to UK Land Carbon Registry feesFrom 1 November 2024, the fees charged to issue and convert units on the UK Land Carbon Registry…
    Peatland with mountains on the background
    Scottish peatland recognised as globally important by UNESCO World Heritage Site designation The Flow Country in the north of Scotland, Europe's largest expanse of blanket bog, has been…
    Brown butterfly with black spots on pink bell shaped flower
    New species showcase - large heathOur latest species showcase introduces the large heath butterfly, its association with two iconic…
    Haresfoot cottongrass with blue sky in the background. Credit Laurie Campbell SNH
    New briefing addresses the peatlands and methane debateThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme has launched a new briefing “Peatlands and Methane” that summarises…
    Peatland with mountains in the background
    New £3 million fund for peatland restoration in Northern IrelandApplications for the new £3million Peatland Challenge Fund to help protect Northern Ireland's…
    Sphagnum moss on healthy peatland
    Scotland’s Peatland ACTION programme hits record restoration milestoneFor the first time since the Peatland ACTION programme began, more than 10,000 hectares of damaged…
    A cottongrass seedhead
    New species showcase - cottongrassOur May species showcase looks at the role that cottongrass plays in peatlands, its cultural and…