This means the ban would apply to more than half of the country’s 677,250 hectares of blanket bog, including the entire area of upland deep peat. Any burning would need to be done under strict licence, issued where there is a clear need, such as reducing wildfire risk, the Government said. But 80% of England’s peatlands are degraded while large-scale burning of its vegetation causes the release of harmful pollutants into the air. Ministers argue that expanding the ban will help to improve air quality in villages, towns and cities. A rare global habitat, it is a precious part of our national heritage, and that is why we’re announcing a consultation on these measures to ensure deep peat is better protected.

Source: The Times March 31, 2025 11:04 UTC