Wildlife

Wild UK Peatland Restoration and Wildlife

How peatland restoration in the UK benefits multiple wildlife species and ecosystem welfare through habitat recovery.

Key Facts

The UK has 13% of global blanket bog, most of it in degraded condition
Rewetting degraded peatlands restores sphagnum moss and raises water tables
Peatland restoration benefits curlew, golden plover, dunlin, and many other species
Carbon stored in peat represents thousands of years of ecosystem accumulation
Restoration of deep peat habitats supports rare insects and plants as well as birds

Welfare Considerations

Peatland restoration creates conditions for multiple wildlife species to thrive that were previously unable to breed or feed adequately in degraded habitats. The scale of restoration currently underway is delivering welfare benefits across many species simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, and other organizations restoring peatland habitats
Advocate for continued government investment in peatland restoration programs
Avoid purchasing horticultural peat products to reduce demand for peat extraction