Burning of peatlands is fast becoming a climate scandal, says CPRE

‘The burning of peatlands is fast becoming a climate scandal. In their natural state, the nation’s peatlands are our rainforests safely locking away over three billion of tonnes of carbon. But setting fire to heather to promote growth dries out peaty soils underneath causing huge losses of carbon and adding an estimated 350 million tonnes annually of carbon emissions to the bonfire and fuelling runaway climate change. That’s why moorland burning must end immediately.

‘For too long, the government has talked about banning this practice but no action has been taken. That’s why it is crucial that MPs take a stand for our peatlands in Parliament. With a ban on moorland burning, the UK government will be able to enter next year’s international climate conference in Glasgow and leverage real action. Failure to do so could provide the backdrop of burning moorlands offering other nations a get-out clause before the climate conference has even begun.’