UK Extends Deep Peat Burning Ban to 676,628 Hectares

The UK government has announced an extension of its ban on burning heather and grass on deep peatlands in England, expanding protected areas from 222,000 to 676,628 hectares, an area larger than Devon, effective from September 30, 2025. This move reduces the depth threshold for protected peat from 40cm to 30cm and aims to improve air quality, reduce flood risks, protect wildlife, and combat climate change by preserving peatlands, which are vital carbon sinks and natural water regulators. Burning vegetation on peatlands releases harmful smoke containing pollutants linked to serious health conditions, including strokes and lung diseases, as well as damaging precious ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The ban, part of the government’s Plan for Change, follows public consultation revealing mixed opinions, with environmentalists supporting stricter protections and some land managers concerned about increased wildfire risks and licensing complexities. The government also plans a refined licensing system allowing controlled burning only in exceptional circumstances, such as wildfire risk management. These measures reflect an effort to restore and rewet peatlands, ensuring they remain resilient, continue storing carbon, and protect local communities from flooding and pollution.