Stormont has approved Northern Ireland’s first Peatland Strategy, designed to address biodiversity loss and the climate crisis while improving water quality. Minister Andrew Muir said peatlands, which cover around 12% of the region, have significant potential as the plan was unveiled.

The strategy outlines five objectives and 26 actions over 15 years to conserve, restore and manage peatlands to boost carbon storage and support biodiversity and water quality. It notes peatlands provide habitat for species such as hen harrier, curlew and golden plover. Mr Muir said the document could be a turning point for protecting, restoring and managing these habitats. ‘We must embrace the power of peatlands as a nature-based solution to tackle the nature and climate crisis and improve water quality,’ he said.

Funding includes £7.8 million for peatland restoration through the Environment Fund and Shared Island Fund to 2028 (€9.0 million). Peaceplus funding of about €40 million (£34.6 million, roughly €39.8 million) is awarded to nature projects in Northern Ireland to 2028 and includes a major peatland restoration element covering around 12,500 hectares.