Launched in 2015, the Peatland Code is a voluntary certification standard developed and managed by the IUCN UK Peatland Programme. It plays a pivotal role in the fight against climate change by providing a rigorous, science-backed framework for generating independently verified carbon credits from peatland restoration. It ensures that restoration projects deliver real, measurable climate benefits. Currently work is also underway to quantify the biodiversity uplift of Peatland Code projects in a robust way. Using the Peatland Code means investing in nature-based solutions that benefit people, planet, and biodiversity.

The Peatland Code is a key component of the wider work of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP), which has been promoting the restoration and sustainable management of UK peatlands since 2009. Through strong science, sound policy, effective practice, and collaborative partnerships, the Programme advocates for the many benefits peatlands offer from biodiversity and water quality to climate resilience.

Our commitment to developing a robust code for peatland restoration involves continuous refinement of the Peatland Code.

This page explains the processes of completing restoration of a Peatland Code site.

A guide to how to use the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's Peatland Code to restore your peatland using carbon credits.

The governance of the structure of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's Peatland Code including how decisions are made.

Find out more about how the Peatland Code verification process works.

If you have a dispute relating to interpretation of the Peatland Code, this page details the process you need to undertake.

The Peatland Code is an open and transparent process and in keeping with this, all projects are publicly visible on the UK Peatland Code Registry. The data that you enter for your project registration will appear on the registry.