Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Peatland Restoration 2026

UK peatland restoration is delivering welfare benefits for the diverse wildlife communities that depend on functioning blanket bog and mire habitats.

Key Facts

UK peatlands cover 2.5 million hectares and store 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon
Degraded peatlands drain and lose carbon while supporting less wildlife
Blocking drainage ditches rewets peat and restores sphagnum moss communities
Rewetted peatlands support curlew, golden plover, dunlin, and other upland birds
Nature Recovery Network targets 50% of degraded peatlands in restoration by 2042

Welfare Considerations

Peatland restoration delivers welfare benefits for the entire community of peatland wildlife while also providing climate benefits. Supporting peatland restoration is a high-impact welfare and conservation investment.

What You Can Do

Support peatland restoration organisations including RSPB and Wildlife Trusts
Advocate for peatland restoration funding in agricultural and environmental policy
Avoid peat-based compost to reduce peatland extraction pressure