The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has published the first Delivery Plan for the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy to 2040. The plan appeared on Earth Day.

The strategy sets five objectives and 26 actions. It targets restoration of 150,000 hectares of degraded peatland by 2050 to meet climate and environmental goals.

This initial plan lists 14 short-term targets for peatland conservation, restoration and management through December 2027. Future plans will cover five-year periods to match the Northern Ireland Climate Action Plan cycle.

Actions cover compiling data for a Peatland Asset Register, consulting on limits to retail sales of peat and peat products, and restoring 4,500 hectares toward recovery using current funds. The plan also identifies additional restoration sites by December 2027.

Related efforts include departmental strategies on wildfire management, Farming with Nature and ammonia reduction.

Minister Muir stated that the plan advances recovery of peatlands over two years. He noted ongoing work by National Trust and RSPB in Belfast Hills and Antrim Hills, and by Ulster Wildlife at Haughey’s Bog and Black Bog in Co Tyrone with departmental, Shared Island and Peace Plus support.

Muir added that peatlands serve as a nature-based solution to climate issues, with benefits for water quality and flood reduction.