Black darter (Sympetrum danae). Credit Pete Quinn
Peatland Code Development
Peatland Code Development
Our commitment to developing a robust code for peatland restoration involves continuous refinement of the Peatland Code. The launch of Version 2 and Version 2.1 marked a significant step forward, and to ensure transparency, we actively engage with relevant parties to keep it fit for purpose. As part of the quality review process, we gather stakeholder feedback through emails, project developer meetings, working groups, partnership site visits, and events throughout the year.
If you have any suggestions for the Peatland Code, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at peatlandcode@iucn.org.uk.
Any changes or updates to Peatland Code methodology or externally developed methodology is reviewed by the TAB, and any approvals or necessary amendments are decided by the Executive Board based on TAB recommendations. Detailed information on our decision making process can be viewed below.
Peatland Code Review Procedure.
For details on the Peatland Code versions and new requirements under each version we have produced a helpful Peatland Code Version Summary Table.
Peatland Code Working Groups
The Peatland Code Working Groups allow for a wide range of experts to advise on specific topics to ensure the Peatland Code remains accessible and robust. The outputs of these working groups are presented to the Peatland Code Technical Advisory Board and the Executive Board for decision on implementation.
Peatland Code Methodology Review Working Group - Coming soon
Verification Working Group - Closed
The first working group series is focusing on Verification and improving the pre-verification survey methodology, including exploring the optional use of drones in the verification process.
We invite interested participants to apply by completing the Expression of Interest form by close of business Tuesday 4th November. This working group will have limited spaces and we aim to send out the terms of reference and meeting invitations to the successful applicants shortly after.
Meetings scheduled:
- Thursday 13th November 9:30 - 11:am
- Wednesday 26th November 12:30-2pm
- Wednesday 10th December 2:00-3:30pm
Working Groups Outputs
Verification Working Group:
The verification working group comprised of two Validation Verification Bodies, four Peatland Code Project Developers, two members of public organisations, two scientists and the Peatland Code team. It is the working group’s opinion that a bigger overhaul of the verification methodology, as well as the current condition categories is needed. However, given the urgency of having a workable verification methodology in place for projects, the group decided to make improvements to the existing guidance now, with a more comprehensive revision planned for later in 2026.
Next Steps
The output of the working group was a draft methodology which is has been approved by TAB to go to a six month pilot stage, project due for verification between April and September are required to register for the pilot. The purpose of the pilot is to enable practical testing, structured feedback and tweaking of the current guidance before a final version is published. For more information see our verification page.
Approved and Pending Methodologies
Approved
May 2026 - Draft Methodology Verification
Pending Approval
March 2026- Biodiversity Quantification Methodology
Withdrawn Methodologies
We currently don't have any methodology that have been withdrawn from use
External Methodologies
We currently don't have any external methodologies or technology pending approval by the TAB.
If you would like to get your methodology or technological solution approved for the next TAB scheduled in September 2026 please prepare a paper with the following information
- The need for this in the market
- Any testing/science behind the technology/methodology
- How it could complement the Peatland Code
All external methodologies must be reviewed and approved by the TAB and EB before any conversations on licensing and adoption can begin. It may be required that the owners of the methodologies present at the TAB and answer any questions before leaving the meeting and allowing a discussion to take place.
CivTech projects
The IUCN UK PP together with Scottish Forestry are working with three companies to explore how they can support and improve the Woodland and Peatland Codes.
The outputs of these projects is due by December 2026.
The collaboration has been developed through CivTech, a Scottish Government programme which supports public sector innovation. We’re grateful to the Scottish Government and Defra for their support.
You can find out how our CivTech projects are progressing through the Forum and LinkedIn pages.
Rethink Carbon
This is an online platform designed to support organisations going through the Woodland Carbon and Peatland Code process.
The aim is that the rethink platform will
- Make the process more efficient by simplifying workflows
- Automate documentation
- Reporting functionality
-
Mapping and monitoring tools
To find out more or to get involved in the Beta testing
Website: Rethink Codes - Contact: info@rethinkcarbon.co.uk
Sylvera
Sylvera is developing a new monitoring methodology that combines cutting-edge satellite and LiDAR technologies with traditional field-based approaches.
The innovation aims to reduce the cost and time needed to complete monitoring activities.
Find out more
Website: www.sylvera.com/research
Email: Andy Burt
Cwiri
Cwiri is exploring how land-based measurement instruments can be used to increase the accuracy of monitoring data.
This has the potential to reduce the cost and time it takes to complete monitoring.
Find out more
Website: www.cwiri.co.uk
Contact: Ben Roberts
FIRNS
The Peatland Code in collaboration with the Woodland Carbon Code received FIRNS (The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland) funding to develop biodiversity crediting for woodlands, peatlands, and other ecosystems. The aim of the project is to align our approach with existing market trends and work with peatland and woodland expects to identify key indicators and metrics that are best suited to measure habitat uplift in UK habitats. We are currently working with a wide range of UK peatland experts, pilot site data, and external data sources to define positive and negative indicators to ensure that our biodiversity metric aligns with real-world biodiversity uplift in the UK.
