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
Peatland Restoration in the Shetlands
July 14, 2016
Where is the link between aquaculture and blanket bog in Shetland? Well, about half of Shetland is covered in peat (although Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has estimated that 70% of Shetland’s blanket bog is damaged). Meanwhile, the fishing industry is Shetland’s biggest sector with about 25,000 tonnes of farmed salmon produced each year.
Life-sustaining habitat in Yorkshire Dales given a boost
June 13, 2016
Vast swathes of life-sustaining habitat in the Yorkshire Dales has been restored thanks to the efforts of Yorkshire Peat Partnership.
The programme, led by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, has been busy working with landowners in the Dales to restore damaged peatlands, which have been emitting carbon into the atmosphere contributing to climate change and turning water in the streams and rivers brown – no good for drinking or aquatic wildlife to live in.
Plight of peatlands highlighted by Government report into soil health
June 7, 2016
Despite the life-sustaining role of soil, and in particular peat soil, a new report has emphasised its rapid decline and the need for urgent action.
Latest newsletter: Exmoor Mires Partnership
June 7, 2016
The latest newsletter from the Exmoor Mires Partnership is now available to download from below.
To join their mailing list email exmoormires@btconnect.com.
The East Africa Sisal Company Ltd.
June 6, 2016
Sisal is a highly sustainable fibre crop grown in the tropics. With the ability to survive sustained periods of drought and be harvested at any time of the year, sisal provides a sustainable source of income to small-scale farmers and helps them to cope with the effects of climate change. Historically, sisal was manufactured and used for making ropes and sacks. However, the development of cheaper polypropylene meant that the 1960s proved to be a turning point for sisal production, with East African production now at 10% of its former peak.
Minister officially launches €16 million moorland project
May 25, 2016
A €16 million project that will help protect and transform moorlands across the South Pennines and the Peak District National Park has been officially launched.
Environment Minister Rory Stewart was joined by Acting Chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd, Natural England Chairman
The Social Value of the Humberhead Peatlands - Thorne and Hatfield Moors
May 19, 2016
Healthy peatlands are known to provide a number of important biodiversity and environmental benefits but can also deliver significant social benefits. However, many peatlands have been severely degraded and can only recover through large-scale restoration projects.
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…
New publication: Tracks and roads on peatlandsThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme are pleased to publish our latest brief focusing on the impacts of…
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…
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…
New species showcase - Water voleContinuing the spotlight on peatland biodiversity, our first Species Showcase of 2025 is the Water…
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…
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…
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…
Public Consultation for Biodiversity Quantification MethodologyThe Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code are pleased to announce their public consultation…
Natural Resources Wales announces new funding for peatland restorationA new restoration fund, managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), was launched this week in an…
Reflecting on 2024: a busy year for peatlandsAs the year draws to a close, the IUCN UK Peatland Programme looks back on 2024.
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…