UK Government Proposes Peatland Burning Ban

The UK Government has announced plans to extend the ban on burning peatlands in upland areas, aiming to protect vital habitats, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air and water quality. The proposal, now open for public consultation, would expand protected areas from 222,000 hectares to 368,000 hectares—covering more than half of England’s deep peat. However, environmental groups argue that this still leaves large areas vulnerable to damage.

Peatlands are carbon-rich wetlands which occupy 3% of the global land surface and 12% of the UK land area, often described as “the country’s lungs” due to their ability to store carbon, prevent flooding, and support biodiversity. But with 80% of England’s peatlands already degraded, conservationists have long pushed for stronger protections. Burning heather and other vegetation on peatland, a practice often used to encourage new growth for game bird hunting, dries out the soil and releases stored carbon, worsening climate change and increasing the risk of wildfires. It also degrades habitats for already endangered species, such as rare bog-mosses, adders and dragonflies.

The government’s proposal includes redefining "deep peat" from 40cm to 30cm and requiring strict licences for any burning that is deemed necessary, such as for wildfire prevention. This approach aligns with measures being introduced in Scotland under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: ”Our peatlands are this country’s Amazon Rainforest – home to our most precious wildlife, storing carbon and reducing flooding risk.

The UK has 13% of the world’s blanket bog. A rare global habitat, it is a precious part of our national heritage, and that is why we‘re announcing a consultation on these measures to ensure deep peat is better protected.”

The Wildlife Trusts have welcomed the proposals but argue that it doesn’t go far enough. They say that all peatland—whether designated for protection or not—should be safeguarded from burning. Dr. Rob Stoneman, Director of Landscape Recovery at The Wildlife Trusts, stressed that burning is "extremely damaging" and “good news for the air that we breathe, for the water we drink, and for the natural carbon cycle – and it will mean less flooding for people. It’s also brilliant news for wildlife”.

Environmental campaigner and author Guy Shrubsole said: “This is excellent news and will come as a relief to the residents of Sheffield, Manchester, Hebden Bridge and elsewhere who have had to breathe in the acrid smoke from moorland burning for far too long- and suffer the flooding that this ecologically destructive practice exacerbates”.

With the consultation running until May 25, 2025, the tussle over peatland management is set to continue. Conservationists are urging the government to go further, arguing that a full ban is essential to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. We will see whether the proposals will be strengthened in response to public and expert feedback.

Read the UK Government's full press release here