UK Government aim to restore peatlands across England by providing a £16 million funding

UK Government make increased efforts to restore thousands of hectares of peatlands to help tackle climate change.

The Government is investing over £50 million in peat restoration, building on its pledge to restore approximately 35,000 hectares of peatland in England by the end of this Parliament, and leave the environment in a better state for future generations.

Peatlands are an iconic feature of England’s landscape. They contain over half of the UK’s terrestrial carbon stores and provide a haven for wildlife, as well as supporting better water quality and natural flood management.

However, studies show 87% of England’s peatlands, including lowland peatlands are degraded, damaged and dried out, emitting tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. The funding from government will help restore these environments, in turn helping protect wildlife and restore their critical ability to manage water quality and reduce the risk of flooding.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England said: “Peatlands bring multiple benefits for society and the economy. They are huge carbon stores and also massive water filters that enable rivers to run clear.”

“I’m delighted these grants will bring more peatlands into the Nature Recovery Network that is so important for delivering our ambition for improving the natural environment in England”.

Find out more here.