A NEW strategy has been launched aimed at restoring and protecting peatlands in areas including the South Pennines.

It has been developed through a programme involving a range of organisations and agencies across the UK.

Among them is the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, which is working to rejuvenate peatlands in regions such as the South Pennies, taking in moorland around Haworth and Oxenhope.

Since the partnership was formed in 2009, it has restored 27,223 hectares of blanket bog – nearly 40 per cent of the estimated blanket bog in its target area.

Dr Tim Thom, the partnership's peat programme manager, said: "Since 2009 we've seen many advances in the practice of peatland restoration and this UK strategy is a huge advance in our aspiration.

"Its shared goals promote a cohesive, joined-up approach for all those restoring our precious but threatened peatlands."

Aims of the strategy include restoring damaged peatlands to functioning ecosystems, conserving and enhancing the best examples and raising awareness of their value.

It says functioning peatlands can bring benefits to water, climate change, wildlife and land management.

Dr Emma Goodyer, for the peatland programme, said: "Collaborative action to bring about healthy peatlands is essential if we are to achieve the change required. That is why it was important to develop this strategy as a collective, spanning those involved in their management.

"Only by working with others towards a shared vision will we be able to realise our target of two million hectares of peatlands in healthy condition by 2040."

For further information about the peatland programme or to download a copy of the strategy, visit iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org.