Mary Creagh MP: “Labour is protecting and restoring peatlands”

Mary Creagh MP speaking at the UK Peatlands Reception

Mary Creagh MP spoke at the RSPB’s Peatland Restoration Reception in Parliament, to highlight the importance of peatlands across the UK.

Blanket bogs and lowland fens are a vital natural asset that store carbon, improve water quality and reduce severe floods. They provide habitats for curlews, sundews and butterflies. 80% of peatlands are degrading and dying, the Labour government is taking action to change that.

The Environmental Improvement Plan, Landscape Recovery scheme, Defra grants and Grass Burning Regulations all form part of the Government’s efforts to conserve peatlands. The Environmental Improvement Plan commits to restoring 40,000 hectares of peatland by 2030. The Landscape Recovery scheme supports projects like the Ouse Washes in the Fens which creates wetland habitats for threatened species of fenland birds. In lowland peat regions, three new Defra grant schemes of £50 million over four years will invest in water infrastructure and sustainable agriculture. Heather and Grass Burning Regulations will protect 400,000 hectares of peatland from burning.

The Labour government is committed to restoring, protecting and conserving the important peatlands of the UK.