Peatlands cover 12% of the UK land area and support extraordinary biodiversity — restoration of degraded peat bogs benefits both climate and the welfare of resident wildlife species.
Peatland restoration improves the welfare of resident wildlife by restoring the habitat quality on which species depend. Breeding curlews on restored peat bogs show higher chick survival rates; short-eared owls benefit from the increased vole populations associated with rewetted peat; dunlin and golden plover find the insect prey and nesting conditions they require. The individual animal welfare benefit is indirect but real: restored habitat reduces starvation, failed breeding attempts, and the stress of habitat inadequacy that compromised populations experience.