The IUCN UK Peatland Programme advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice.
Desmids of peatlands © Emma Goodyer
Latest News
Latest News
The vulnerability of archaeological remains in peatlands
December 18, 2018
The abundance of organic archaeological artefacts and paleoenvironmental evidence found in waterlogged environments exists largely because the lack of oxygen (caused by waterlogging) severely slows deterioration. For peatlands themselves, the negative consequences of losing this waterlogging through drainage and land use change are well documented. But what happens to the unique historic archive when these changes occur?
Peatlands and the Historic Environment in the South West of Britain
December 18, 2018
Peat has developed on the moors of South West Britain over millennia - the wet and exposed moors being conducive environments for peat formation. However, it is strongly suspected that human activity in the uplands also contributed to the breakdown of the thin soils that proceeded the peat and contributed to its spread. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the peat has been heavily damaged by erosion and drainage.
Iron Age wetland site in Somerset Levels reveals new insights into late prehistoric life
December 18, 2018
New excavations in the Somerset Levels demonstrate continued preservation and survival of internationally important archaeological sites in lowland wetlands.
New film ‘The Carbon Farmer’ paints a bright future for UK Peatland conservation, agriculture and climate action.
December 4, 2018
In their current state the UK’s peatlands are a source of around 20 million tonnes of CO2 (equivalent) per year – this is the same as the yearly emissions from electricity use in two and a half million homes. A new short film premiers possibilities for achieving a brighter carbon future.
First Peatland Code validation awarded
October 31, 2018
This September the first Peatland Code registered restoration project achieved validation. The peatland restoration project, at Dryhope in Scotland, was piloted though the process by Forest Carbon, the leading Woodland Carbon Code project developer.
Knowledge exchange – sharing LIFE in Finland
October 31, 2018
The IUCN Peatland Programme was delighted to join Pennine PeatLIFE, UK and Hydrology LIFE, Finland on the return leg of their LIFE exchange programme.
Dryhope peatland restoration work wins ‘Enhancing our Environment Award’
October 31, 2018
Dryhope farm in the Yarrow Valley in the Scottish Borders, is part of Philiphaugh Estates which recently won an award (in collaboration with Tweed Forum) at the Scottish Land and Estates ‘Helping it Happen’ event in Edinburgh.
New £3 million fund for peatland restoration in Northern IrelandApplications for the new £3million Peatland Challenge Fund to help protect Northern Ireland's…
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…
New species showcase - cottongrassOur May species showcase looks at the role that cottongrass plays in peatlands, its cultural and…
Remembering Jennifer FultonWe, at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, are still reeling from the loss of Jennifer Fulton, Chief…
Conference 2024 tickets now on sale!Tickets for our 2024 conference in Aviemore, 17-19 September, are now on sale - join us to…
New species showcase - dunlinThe third of our showcases explores the importance of dunlin as an indicator species for peatland…
Peatland Code Public Consultation The Peatland Code is committed to continuous improvement and would like to invite you to comment on…
Please give 10 minutes of your time to help answer the question: Is palaeoecological research utilised in UK peatland restoration projects? Can you complete a short survey on the extent to which palaeoecological research is utilised in UK…
Muirburn licencing made law in ScotlandScotland’s peatlands will benefit from increased protection due to a new law passed on 21st March…
Dorset peatland restorationThe Dorset Peat Partnership completed the first of their sixteen peatland restoration sites in…
Council leads the way with major peatland restoration project A three-year project to restore an area of peatland larger than 780 football pitches in Inverclyde…
Funding for Eyes on the Bog users Our Eyes on the Bog Fund aims to support existing Eyes on the Bog users to purchase new equipment,…