The UK government announced 47 million pounds in new funding to restore England's degraded peatlands, which store over half the country's terrestrial carbon. The money is split into three schemes: 36 million pounds for lowland peat water infrastructure, 10 million pounds for wetter farming research (paludiculture), and 1.15 million pounds for workforce training. The goal is to rewet dried-out peat soils to stop carbon release, reduce wildfire and flood risk, and support rural economies. Currently 80% of England's peatlands are degraded due to centuries of drainage for agriculture. The funding targets practical on-the-ground projects like water table management and crops suited to wet conditions. Applications are open through summer 2026. This is part of a broader 85 million pound peat programme and a national target to restore 280,000 hectares by 2050. For carbon market watchers, this is a clear example of government-backed nature-based carbon removal. The paludiculture fund specifically explores commercial uses for wetland crops, which could create new revenue streams for farmers while cutting emissions. The emphasis on measurable infrastructure and skills suggests the government is trying to move beyond pilot projects to scalable restoration.
