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Positive step forward for peatlands as ban on burning extended
A huge thank you to our supporters as UK Government extends ban on burning in England’s uplands.
Posted 5 min read
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A ban on burning heather and grass on deep peat in England has been extended by the UK Government. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the new rules would more than triple the area of deep peat protected from burning, from the current 222,000 hectares to 676,628 hectares – an area equivalent to the size of Devon.
Thank you for standing with us
The decision comes after a public consultation earlier this year and follows many years of campaigning by the RSPB and other organisations. Peatlands are vital ecosystems, that are home to incredible wildlife and play a crucial role in our efforts to tackle climate change. Burning vegetation on deep peat has long been recognised as damaging to these habitats and the wildlife it supports.
In April this year, many RSPB supporters joined us in our response to the UK Government’s consultation and called for better protections for England’s peatlands. Thank you to everyone who stood with us – we hope today’s announcement signals a move towards ending damaging burning for good.
Protecting nature’s superheroes
Welcoming the ban, Beccy Speight, RSPB Chief Executive, said:
"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.
Peatlands are one of nature’s greatest superheroes, for nature and for climate. They are home to some of the UK’s rarest birds and incredible wildlife. When healthy, peatlands act as a natural filter helping to improve water quality, can store water during times of drought, slow flow during times of flood and are resilient to fire. And in their wet, natural state they keep their vast stores of carbon locked away and so have a crucial role to play in our efforts to tackle climate change.
“Burning them is bad for nature, for the climate, for water quality and for managing flood risk. With the UK Government targeting the restoration of 280,000 hectares of peatland by 2050, we hope today’s announcement signals a move towards an end to burning in the English uplands, to protect peatland habitats and reduce emissions.
“We would like to thank all our supporters who took the time to take part in the Defra led consultation and to thank Defra ministers for making the decision announced today.”
