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

    Line of fire being set by a vehicle with people on the back as part of swaling. Credit Heather Lowther (Creative Commons)
    Public consultation on heather and grass burning regulations in EnglandThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme has responded to Defra’s proposal to protect a greater extent of…
    Cross section of bare peat
    New Peat Map for EnglandThis week Natural England published the much anticipated England Peat Map which highlights the…
    IUCN World Conservation Congress logo
    Peatland motion headed to World Conservation Congress for considerationThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme-led motion to develop a unified definition of peatlands has…
    Area of burnt vegetation on national park in Northumberland
    A collection of three Natural England reports marks a step change for English peatlandsWe summarise three new reports from Natural England which have important implications for English…
    Neolithic trackway on Hatfield Moors. Credit: Henry Chapman Uni of Birmingham
    New publication: Tracks and roads on peatlandsThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme are pleased to publish our latest brief focusing on the impacts of…
    Peatland landscape showing flux tower and solar panel with a blue sky and hills in the background. Image credit Hollie Cooper, UKCEH
    Funding announced for greenhouse gas reduction solutions on peatlandsThe UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is seeking proposals for projects up to £75,000 to advance…
    Hare's tail cottongrass on Humberhead levels
    Committee on Climate Change (CCC) 7th Carbon Budget Report - a response from IUCN UK Peatland ProgrammeThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme welcomes this week the publication of the Committee on Climate…
    Water vole sitting with blackberries
    New species showcase - Water voleContinuing the spotlight on peatland biodiversity, our first Species Showcase of 2025 is the Water…
    Digger being used to carry out peat bog restoration. Photo: Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
    Adoption of University of Cumbria PhD student’s carbon calculator brings national and international significanceThis week University of Cumbria and Barker and Bland Ltd.’s innovative carbon calculator has been…
    Image advertising launch of the CivTech Round 10 Challenge
    CiVTech innovators leading drive for advances within Peatland and Woodland Carbon CodesBringing efficiences to the Peatland Code and Woodland Carbon Code is the focus for three…
    Interior of the Virtual Peatlands Pavilion, showing the information desk with a giant dragonfly and globe suspended above it.
    Embark on a voyage of discovery with the Virtual Peatlands Pavilion 2025 world tour To raise awareness of the global distribution and importance of peatlands, the Virtual Peatlands…
    Image of a computer screen displaying a survey
    Public Consultation for Biodiversity Quantification MethodologyThe Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code are pleased to announce their public consultation…