Peat Bogs: Conservation

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 5 July 2022.

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Photo of Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth Conservative

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of peatland loss; and what steps they are taking in response.

Photo of Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

England’s peatlands are our largest terrestrial carbon store. They provide a home for rare wildlife, regulate our water supply and provide a record of the past. However, only 13% of our peatlands are in a near-natural state at present.

In May 2021, we published the England Peat Action Plan, which sets out the steps we are taking in response to peat loss: England Peat Action Plan - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). A copy is attached to this answer.

As part of this, we are funding a research and development project that will map the extent and condition of England’s peatlands in detail. Final outputs of the England Peat Map will be made available in 2024.

England Peat Action Plan (pdf, 2595.6KB)

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