Thank you for contacting me about peat burning.
I understand your concerns on this issue. I know that healthy peatlands have an important role to play in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and helping the UK reach its net zero target, so I am pleased that £640 million has been committed through the Nature for Climate Fund to restore 35,000 hectares of England’s peatland by 2025.
My Ministerial colleagues have always been clear of the need to phase out rotational burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats and the intention has always been to legislate if a voluntary approach failed to deliver. From speaking with them, I know Ministers are currently considering legislation and the next steps which can be taken. In the meantime, however, it is encouraging that real progress is being made in promoting sustainable alternatives.
Finally, the Government plans to publish the England Peat Strategy before the end of the year which will detail further how we can protect, restore, and reduce damage to our peatlands so that they deliver benefits for climate and wildlife