Thank you to the many constituents who have got in touch politely requesting my attendance at the Westminster Hall debate on Moorland Burning which took place on 18th November. Unfortunately, due to other important commitments I was unable to attend.
The UK’s upland blanket bogs are an internationally important ecosystem – However I accept that much of this peat is in poor condition, with dry soils releasing emissions and threatening wetland species. This is mainly due to drainage and burning, primarily the result of intensive management for agriculture and grouse moors.
The government very much remains committed to bringing peatland under sustainable management. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has committed to ban the burning of upland blanket peat bogs in protected areas. The 25 Year Environment Plan commits to all soils being sustainable managed by 2030, and the government is due to publish its peat strategy this year. I of course greatly await the outcome.
DEFRA is also developing a peat strategy for England and is committed to restoring 35,000 hectares of peatland by 2025 through the Nature for Climate Fund, the equivalent of 10% of the upland peatlands in England.
I believe that the measures taken by the government will be an important step as we aim to be net zero by 2050. You can also see further details about the Environment Bill on the link below:
https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-return-of-environment-bill.html
As ever if you would like to discuss this further or any other matter then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk
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