Exploring New Lowland Peat Funding Opportunities
- Douglas Hobbs
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
On Wednesday, 25 February, Defra’s Lowland Peat Team will host two webinars introducing the new grant schemes, which will run until 2030. This is a key opportunity to understand how new government support can help farm businesses adapt their business while protecting the long-term viability of England’s peat landscapes. Read more and register here
England’s lowland peatlands cover around 250,000 hectares, making them some of the most productive yet environmentally vulnerable farmland in the country. For generations, peat soils have supported high-value farming, although centuries of drainage have left these carbon-rich landscapes under pressure: soil erosion, land subsidence, rising maintenance costs, and greater climate-related risks are all making “business‑as‑usual” farming harder to sustain.
That’s why Defra is launching new lowland peat grant schemes — and is inviting farmers, researchers, land managers, and growers to a webinar to learn how to access them.
Why This Matters
Peat soils are naturally fertile and play a vital role in carbon storage. However, once drained, peat begins to decompose, releasing carbon into the atmosphere, thinning soil layers, and decreasing long-term productivity. This leads to higher operational costs, increased pumping requirements, and greater challenges in water-level management, especially during extreme weather conditions.
By managing water differently, it is possible to:
Reduce emissions and soil loss
Strengthen resilience against drought and flooding
Support national climate goals
Open new opportunities, including wetter farming and paludiculture (crops suited to wet conditions)
With £85 million of funding announced for peat in the Environmental Improvement Plan, most of it focused on lowland agricultural peat, now is the time for farmers to explore new ways to manage their land.
What the Webinar Will Cover
Next week, Defra’s Lowland Peat Team will host two webinars introducing the new grant schemes, which will run until 2030. These sessions are designed to help understand:
What the grants fund
How to apply
How water management changes can benefit long-term farm productivity
What opportunities exist for wetter soil cropping and trialling innovative systems
How these schemes fit into wider environmental and climate commitments
You’ll also get the chance to ask questions and provide feedback.
Can’t attend on the day?
No problem — all registered participants will receive access to the recording afterwards; however, you will need to register.
Who Should Attend?
These webinars are perfect for:
Farmers who are currently working on lowland peat
Land managers considering water management changes
Growers interested in alternative cropping systems
Anyone exploring future opportunities in peatland farming
If you want to safeguard long-term productivity, reduce costs, and explore new funding opportunities, this session is for you.
Don’t Miss Out
This is a key opportunity to understand how new government support can help you adapt your business while protecting the long-term viability of England’s most iconic peat landscapes.
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