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
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IUCN UK Peatland Programme Newsletter - December 2018 - Historic Environment & Peatlands Edition
December 19, 2018
This edition of the newsletter focuses on the historic environment record of peatlands, showcasing some recent projects and studies in the UK, with a diversion across the Channel to the Netherlands. I must admit, the term ‘historic environment’ always strike me as a slightly bland term for the wide array of archaeological, palaeoecological, geographical and historical methodologies that are included under its descriptive umbrella. However, there are few other comparable general terms so it will have to do for now!
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.
Dartmoor’s peatlands preserve nationally and internationally important archaeological heritage
December 18, 2018
A range of recent excavation and assessment projects have demonstrated the significance of upland wetlands in Dartmoor’s past, for both extractive industry in the recent past and for social or spiritual activities in prehistory.
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.
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 Virtual Peatland Pavilion launched for COP29To raise awareness of the global importance of peatlands during COP29, the latest pavilion has been…
Specially commissioned film celebrates 'The most important plant in the world'The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has commissioned the first in a series of short films, celebrating…
Launch of the Peatland Code Version 2.1The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has launched a new update to the Peatland Code, which helps to boost…
New brief highlights the importance of peatland rewetting for wildfire resilienceThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme's latest publication explores recent evidence from the UK and North…
Call for proposals for Water Research Seminar SeriesThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and the Environment Agency are delighted to announce a series of…
The Power of the Peat Bogs! How pupils turned their environmental education into a song Primary school pupils who have engaged with a project to restore ancient peatland and traditional…
South West Peatland Partnership awarded gold by Global Good AwardsThe South West Peatland Partnership won a Gold award at the Global Good Awards for their work…
Seeking content for the COP29 Virtual Peatland PavilionThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Global Peatlands Initiative are seeking new content for an…
New report celebrates UK peatland restoration – but climate and nature targets still at riskAnalysis reveals 250,000 hectares of peatland restoration activity over 30 years – way short of the…
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…
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 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…