Latest News

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

Forest-to-Bog Restoration: a new best practice procedure

June 30, 2017
A recent paper in the Scottish Forestry Journal (Scottish Forestry Volume 71, No.1 Spring/Summer 2017) looked at the impact of forestry operations on globally important freshwater pearl mussel populations and mitigation measures to conserve mussels. Many forestry plantations were created on peat soils requiring extensive drainage systems that then feed into natural watercourses. These drains release significant amounts of sediment and nutrients into natural watercourses to the detriment of freshwater pearl mussel populations as well as other aquatic animals.

Job Opportunities (June 2017)

June 27, 2017
A list of currently advertised jobs in the peatland community. Please note this list is not exhaustive, but includes opportunities that have been shared with the team.

Flow Country exhibition launched in Edinburgh

June 26, 2017
Royal Botanic Garden is the first venue for an important exhibition which will tour across the United Kingdom.

A New Management Approach for Grouse Moors

June 22, 2017
Recently, IUCN UK Peatland Programme met with staff from Moorland Association, Natural England and North Pennines AONB Partnership at Wemmergill Estate, near Barnard Castle, to discuss how to deliver healthy blanket bog on an active moorland grouse estate.

Crossing the Moss: The Story of a Solway Moss and the Solway Junction Railway

June 19, 2017
In the late 1860s, a railway – the Solway Junction Railway (SJR) – was constructed across the ‘Moss’ of Bowness Common. Where it met the Solway Firth, it soared above the waves to Annan on the Scottish side, across the Solway Viaduct – a structure that was “light and elegant, and in the full tide [had] the semblance of a piece of enchanted workmanship resting on the bosom of the racing waters”.

Going to The Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh this weekend (22-25th June) or the Scone Game Fair in Perth (30th June- 2nd July)?

June 19, 2017
Well, if you’re a landowner in Scotland with an area of peatland, such as a blanket bog or lowland raised bog, then funding is available to restore these extremely important habitats.

Droning-on over Abernethy

June 16, 2017
The RSPB’s Abernethy Reserve is perhaps better known for its Caledonian pinewoods, ospreys and capercaillie.

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…
Image of machinery being used on a peatland to restore the habitat
Natural Resources Wales announces new funding for peatland restorationA new restoration fund, managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), was launched this week in an…
The IUCN UK Peatland Programme team at the base of Kinder Scout
Reflecting on 2024: a busy year for peatlandsAs the year draws to a close, the IUCN UK Peatland Programme looks back on 2024.
Four people in outdoor clothing looking out across a peatland landscape. Image credit: Mark Reed
Help answer the question: Do investors undervalue the social impact of peatland projects in the UK when making investment decisions?Business professionals at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership are seeking…