New report celebrates UK peatland restoration – but climate and nature targets still at risk

New report celebrates UK peatland restoration – but climate and nature targets still at risk - IUCN

people standing on a hill of moorland looking out over rolling hills covered by cloud shadows in a beautiful blue sky with white fluffy clouds — Carrifran peatland © Emma Hinchliffe

Analysis reveals 250,000 hectares of peatland restoration activity over 30 years – way short of the 2-million-hectare target set for 2040

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme (IUCN UK PP) publishes a new report today which reveals for the first time that 250,000 hectares (ha) of restoration has been undertaken across the UK’s peatlands since the process began 30 years ago. While this is an impressive achievement to be celebrated, it is a long way short of what is needed to meet the UK’s nature and climate commitments.

The scale of damage to the UK’s 3 million hectares of peatlands is vast. The IUCN UK PP’s peatland strategy highlighted that an estimated 80% of UK peatlands have been damaged by drainage, agricultural intensification and unsustainable practices. The current IUCN target to restore 2 million ha by 2040 would mean that two-thirds of UK peatlands could help nature recover and store carbon. However, current estimates show that this target is unlikely to be met.

The UK is known for its impressive areas of blanket bog – one type of peatland – including the recently designated UNESCO Flow Country World Heritage Site. It also has a vast network of raised bogs and fens across the UK. These habitats are vital for rare wildlife and to provide drinking water as well as climate and flood mitigation; they are also deeply entwined in the UK’s cultural identity.

Early adopters of peatland restoration have been working hard to repair damaged peatlands since the 1990s. So far, the IUCN UK PP reports that charities, partnerships land managers and government agencies have succeeded in restoring 250,000 ha – this is the equivalent to a 1 metre wide peaty-carpet wrapped around the world 60 times.

However, despite these impressive levels of restoration, this represents action on only around 10% of damaged peatlands and the IUCN UK PP calls for greater levels of funding, co-ordination and efficiency to meet the challenge set out in the UK Peatland Strategy. These findings are discussed in detail in their new report which examines the progress against domestic and international targets.