Peatlands: England’s Hidden Climate Heroes

Douglas Hobbs
12 minutes ago
2 min read

Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 - GOV.UK.

When we think about climate action, forests and renewable energy often steal the spotlight. But beneath our feet lies one of the most powerful natural tools for tackling climate change: peatlands. These waterlogged landscapes store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. Yet, when degraded, they release greenhouse gases, turning from climate allies into climate culprits.

That’s why the UK government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025 sets a bold ambition:

Restore approximately 280,000 hectares of peatland in England by 2050.

Why Peatlands Matter

Peatlands are vital for:

Carbon Storage: Healthy peat locks away millions of tonnes of CO₂.
Water Quality: They filter and regulate water, reducing flood risk.
Biodiversity: Home to rare plants, birds, and insects.
Climate Resilience: Wet peatlands help buffer against drought and wildfires.

But centuries of drainage for farming and peat extraction have left many peatlands damaged. Restoring them is essential for meeting net zero goals, protecting nature, and safeguarding communities.

The Plan to Restore Peatlands

The EIP outlines a comprehensive approach:

Ban on Peat Sales
Legislation will end the sale of peat and peat-containing products, cutting demand and protecting these ecosystems.
£85 Million Investment
By 2030, this funding will accelerate restoration and unlock up to 23 million tonnes of CO₂ savings by 2050.
Water Infrastructure & Paludiculture Trials
Farmers and land managers will receive support to rewet peat soils and explore paludiculture—sustainable farming on wet peat.
40,000 Hectares Restored by 2030
Through the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme (running until 2027) and long-term funding via Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship.
Peatland Restoration Register
Launching in 2026, this geospatial tool will track progress and help target areas most in need of restoration.

What This Means for Farmers and Land Managers

Peatland restoration isn’t just about locking up carbon—it’s about creating new opportunities. Paludiculture offers innovative ways to farm while protecting nature. Grants and infrastructure support will make the transition fair and practical.

A Call to Action

Peatlands may not be as visible as forests, but they are climate champions. Restoring them is one of the most cost-effective ways to fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and build resilience against floods and droughts.