Peatland ACTION - Scotland's Peatland Standard

We are currently developing Scotland's Peatland Standard (SPS). This document will provide technical information to guide and promote peatland protection, restoration, and management in Scotland. It will also set out legal, essential and good practice requirements to ensure the success of restoration activities.

The Scotland’s Peatland Standard will improve efficiency and effectiveness by encouraging innovation, matching actions to local circumstances, and ensuring consistency of approach in decision-making. 

It will support a broad audience, including regulators, land managers, and practitioners, that are engaged in peatland restoration. It will provide a framework for stakeholder discussion, empowering decision-makers, and establishing a self-regulatory mechanism.

The SPS is a key step towards a shared vision for Scotland's peatlands - restored and resilient to climate change, and delivering significant ecosystem services. 

Scotland's Peatland Standard is being developed with peatland restoration practitioners, scientific advisors, and regulators. The information within has been developed by drawing together current scientific knowledge, observational evidence, and expert opinion. We hope to present it for open consultation in late 2025. 

We encourage all peatland stakeholders to participate in the consultation and contribute to shaping the SPS. Look out for the consultation launch later in 2025 for updates and further information.