For Peat's Sake

GOVERNMENT BANS DEEP PEAT BURNING IN UK

On 9th September 2025, DEFRA, announced a ban on the burning of the UK's globally unique network of peatlands which store vast amounts of carbon and are commonly referred to as the Earth's lungs,"to improve air quality for local communities, reduce flood risk and protect wildlife."

The ban, initially proposed by the UK Government earlier this year comes into force in a few weeks' time, on 30th September 2025, the day before the opening of the burning season and has been welcomed by conservationists following a scientific review of the adverse effects of grouse moor burning on biodiversity, carbon and water. ( 'An Evidence Review of the Effects of Managed Burning on Upland Peatland Biodiversity, Carbon and Water', published by Natural England in March 2025).

Around 80% of England's peatlands are dried out or in a poor condition and yet many are burnt (killing ground-nesting birds, reptiles and fauna and flora) to then provide fresh green shoots for grouse to feed on. The move as part of the government's Plan for Change sees their original burning ban extended to cover 676,628 hectares of deep peat up from the current 222,000 hectares - meaning an area equivalent to the size of Devon will now be better protected and it redefines deep peat from the current 40cm to 30cm depth.

Whilst the shooting sector has, unsurprisingly, been critical of the ban, claiming it will increase the risk of wildfires, a refined licencing system which allows prescribed burning in exceptional circumstances for example, to reduce wildfire risk, will also be introduced. This will help balance environmental protection with practical land management.

"Peatlands are one of nature's greatest superheroes," said Beccy Speight, the chief executive of the RSPB. "Extending the ban on burning over peat in the English uplands is a hugely positive step forwards towards protecting these precious habitats and reducing carbon emissions."