Restore peatlands to stop wildfires
“This includes £25 million to restore dried-out peatlands in England so they hold more water and act as natural firebreaks, as well as financial support for farmers to fireproof their land, through digging ponds and removing burnable materials in high-risk areas.”
- Promised
Where it stands
Announced ahead of the Prime Minister's wildfire summit, after the UK's hottest summer on record. The release says Natural England will run a new Peatland Restoration Grant Scheme, expected from April 2027 to April 2029; it does not say how many hectares will be restored or how much goes to farmers. "April 2029" is read as 30 April 2029. The card moves when the grant scheme opens.
What has happened
- Oct 2026The government announces £25 million to restore dried-out peatlands in England as natural firebreaks, Promised
- Apr 2029Peatland Restoration Grant Scheme due to run until April 2029, Deadline
About the cost
The government's own figure: £25 million for a grant scheme expected to run from April 2027 to April 2029, shown as £12.5 million a year over two years. The release gives no split by year. Low–high is an editorial ±10% because the source gives a central figure only.
More detail
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