Wales is succeeding in reaching targets set for peatland restoration, with over 3,600 hectares of damaged peatland being restored over fiver years. According to Natural Resources Wales estimates, in terms of preventing carbon emissions, this is equivalent to taking 6,840 cars off Wales’s roads.
The work was part of the National Peatland Action Programme, which was funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Natural Resources Wales and a wide range of partners.
In a statement made at the Royal Welsh Show last month (July 2025), Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“Last year I announced that we had hit our initial 5-year restoration target a year early. We have now surpassed that by restoring a total of 3,600ha over the first five years of the Programme. I would like to thank the National Peatland Action Programme and especially our delivery partners on going beyond our expectations. For the year ahead, our 6th year, I have committed an additional £5.2m to continue and build upon the wonderful work achieved to date, including contributing towards green job opportunities in Wales.”
Mannon Lewis, NRW’s Strategic Projects lead for NPAP explained:
“Peatlands are one of our most powerful natural tools in the fight against climate change – but only when they’re healthy. Right now, around 90% of Wales’ peatlands are damaged, leaking carbon instead of storing it. That’s why this restoration work matters.
“In just five years, we’ve helped over 3,600 hectares begin their recovery – bringing these landscapes back to life so they can lock in carbon, support wildlife, and hold water more effectively. It’s a win for climate, for nature, and for people.”
You can learn more about the National Peatland Action Programme by reading the annual report for 2024/25.
