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Commission of Inquiry

The findings of the Commission of Inquiry represent the collaboration between peatland experts from land management, science and policy from across the UK and internationally to highlight the degree of damage to UK peatlands and the threats that this poses to society.
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Biodiversity

Peatlands form the UK’s largest extent of semi-natural habitat and play an important role in conserving a wide range of species. Many of these species are rare and/or declining and are priorities for conservation action.  
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Peatland biodiversity - butterflies & moths

Healthy functioning peatlands are vital for biodiversity. While much of the focus is on the specialised plants found on peat bogs, there are a number of butterflies and moths which are associated…

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Introducing our species showcases

Throughout 2024, we are celebrating peatland biodiversity through a series of monthly showcases featuring a particular peatland species or species group. Our first showcase introduces the Sphagnum…

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New briefing tackles the peat depth debate

A new IUCN UK Peatland Programme briefing, 'Peat Depth Criteria: Accounting for the Lost Peatlands', explains that defining and managing our peatlands in a way that reflects their full…

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Species Showcase: Testate amoebae

Even for those who are knowledgeable about peatlands, it may come as a surprise to know there is a huge diversity of tiny organisms busying themselves around the surface of a Sphagnum leaf or floating through the dark water of a bog pool. Much of our current survey and monitoring only considers the things we can observe with the naked eye, but microorganisms play a critical role in peatland function. There are thousands of species present in UK peatlands, many with fascinating life cycles and beautiful forms. In this showcase, we introduce one particular group: testate amoebae.