The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today (Wednesday, April 22) outlined how it intends to deliver Northern Ireland’s first-ever plan for peatland strategy.
The announcement follows up on the release of DAERA’s Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy Plan to 2040 in September last year.
Within the original strategy plan, the department set out five strategic objectives and 26 actions, which were aimed at helping climate and environmental commitments by restoring 150,000ha of degraded peatland by 2050.
Peatland Strategy Delivery Plan
Following today’s announcement, DAERA has published its delivery plan for peatland strategy across Northern Ireland, which includes 14 short-term targets to help deliver peatland conservation, restoration, and management to December 2027.
The department noted that each subsequent peatland delivery plan will cover a five-year time period to align with the Northern Ireland Climate Action Plan cycle.
Some key actions within the new peatland delivery plan include:
- Compiling a comprehensive register for peatland assets;
- Further consultation on restricting retail sales of peat and peat products;
- Ensuring 4,500ha of peatland is “on the road to recovery” through current funding;
- Identifying further potential restoration sites by December 2027.
According to DAERA, cross-departmental strategies – such as wildfire management, Farming with Nature, and the Ammonia Strategy – will also contribute to the delivery of this peatland plan.
DAERA
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir recognised the two-year peatland delivery plan as “another milestone in turning around these valuable habitats that are not in good condition at the moment.”
He said: “Good work is already underway in areas like the Belfast Hills and Antrim Hills by National Trust and RSPB.
“In Co. Tyrone, Ulster Wildlife are restoring Haughey’s Bog and Black Bog with support from my department, as well as Shared Island and Peace Plus programmes.
“We must embrace the power of peatlands as a nature-based solution to the climate crisis, improving water quality and reducing flooding.”
Muir commented that the potential value that well managed peatlands bring to rural communities and nature “must not be underestimated” as well.
Full details of the Peatland Strategy Delivery Plan is available on DAERA’s website.