There are global calls for urgent action to restore damaged peatlands to stop the loss of carbon and return the range of services that a fully functioning peatland delivers.
A number of innovative projects in the UK showcase the successful initiation of habitat recovery. These projects have been innovative in drawing partnerships of NGOs, statutory bodies, businesses and private individuals.
This Review focuses on the policies, present drivers and examples of best practices within the UK, examining opportunities and constraints, in order to make recommendations which could be used to inform future policy. The Review also looks at how various climate scenarios, such as increased temperatures, summer droughts and higher intensity rainfall events are likely to affect peatlands.
Scientific Review
- Download the scientific review Peatland Restoration
Please note, the views expressed in this review are those of the authors. The IUCN UK Peatland Programme is not responsible for the content of this review and does not necessarily endorse the views contained within.
- Download the Peatland Programme briefing on Peatland Restoration.
Review Team
This Review is lead by Dr Paul Lunt of University of Plymouth.
Dr Paul Lunt is a lecturer in Environmental Science at Plymouth University. He has a PhD, specializing in mine site restoration from Aberystwyth University. His research interests include vegetation restoration, including lowland and upland bog restoration. Whilst employed as a principal ecological consultant at Penny Anderson Associates he advised on upland management of SSSI’s for water utility companies and managed monitoring projects for Moors for the Future. His present research projects include the monitoring of the impacts of blanket bog restoration on peat mineralization rates in Dartmoor National Park. He has been an academic for 13 years, has developed a Masters programmes in Environmental Consultancy at Plymouth University and previously led a Habitat Creation and Management Masters at Staffordshire University.
