Defra Moves to Tighten Restrictions on Peatland Burning Across England

In a decisive move to safeguard vital ecosystems, the UK government has announced an ambitious expansion of peatland protections—with a sharp focus on banning heather burning across upland peat areas. The initiative forms part of a broader environmental strategy to restore biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and bolster climate resilience. If fully implemented, the plan would bring an additional 146,000 hectares of peatland under conservation, significantly extending the reach of protected areas.

Peatlands: The “Lungs” of the Landscape:

Peatlands, often called the “lungs” of the environment, serve as natural carbon sinks, help purify water sources, and provide a critical refuge for rare wildlife. These boggy landscapes absorb excess rainwater, offering flood protection to nearby communities while supporting various species, from golden plovers and curlews to an array of dragonflies.

Yet, despite their ecological importance, a staggering 80% of England’s peatlands remain degraded—a crisis largely driven by human activity.

The Hidden Cost of Heather Burning:

One of the greatest threats is the deliberate burning of heather and vegetation, a practice historically used to stimulate heather growth for grouse shooting estates. While economically driven, this technique comes at an immense environmental cost—drying out the peat, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere, and accelerating climate change instead of mitigating it.

The impact extends beyond emissions. Burning peatlands spew harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to poor air quality and serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease, lung cancers, and respiratory conditions like asthma.

The government’s proposal seeks to dramatically strengthen protections, expanding the ban on burning to all deep peat areas (peat deeper than 30cm)—a significant shift from the current 40cm threshold. Should these measures take effect, the total protected peatland area would surge from 222,000 hectares to over 368,000 hectares—roughly equivalent to Greater London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands combined.

Beyond a simple ban, the government also intends to overhaul the licensing system for controlled burning. Under the new framework:

• Landowners and managers must prove they have explored alternative land management techniques before being granted a license.

• Burning licenses will only be issued under strict conditions, such as to reduce wildfire risks, and even then, environmental safeguards will be enforced.

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This initiative aligns with the UK’s broader nature recovery plan, forming a key pillar in the push toward Net Zero by 2050. Since peatlands house many of the world’s blanket bogs, their restoration is crucial in slashing the nation’s carbon footprint.

Investing in the Future of Peatlands:

The government isn’t stopping at restrictions. Up to £400 million has been earmarked for tree planting and peatland restoration under the Nature for Climate Fund, reinforcing commitments to:

• Enhancing biodiversity

• Improving air quality

• Mitigating pollution-related health impacts

To ensure a balanced approach, an eight-week consultation (March 31 - May 25) will invite feedback from land managers, conservationists, and the public, refining the proposals before they are finalised.

This announcement follows a comprehensive study by Natural England detailing the ecological impact of managed burning. An updated England Peat Map, set for release later this spring, will provide a detailed overview of peatland extent, depth, and condition—offering data-driven insights for future conservation efforts.