Welsh government extends peatlands grant scheme
© Adobe Stock Landowners wanting to restore peatlands in Wales can now apply for grants of between £10,000 and £250,000.
The second round of funding under the Peatland Restoration Grant was launched on 15 October and is open for applications until 14 January 2026.
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The total funding pot for peatland restoration in Wales is £700,000 to support the development and delivery of peatland restoration up to March 2027.
Funding is open to private landlords and public and voluntary organisations.
Guidance
A webinar offering guidance for potential applicants is being held on 7 November.
The grant scheme is funded by the Welsh government and is allocated through the National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP) and managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
According to NRW, 90% of peatland in Wales – which covers about 4% of the landmass – is deemed to be damaged and in need of restoration.
Mannon Lewis, NRW’s strategic projects lead for NPAP, said: “No matter what the landowner or organisation understands about peatland restoration, I wish to encourage all those with and interest to register for the free webinar when the process will be explained and further questions can be asked.”
NPAP also provided other funding mechanisms, she said, and enquiries to explore options around peatland restoration were welcome.
Priorities
The NPAP has six priorities it aims to address:
- Peatland erosion
- Peatland drainage
- Sustainable management of blanket peats
- Sustainable management of lowland peats
- Restoration of afforested peatlands
- Gradual restoration of the highest-carbon peatlands.
Restoration activities can include:
- Hydrologic restoration
- Erosion control
- Tree management
- Vegetation management
- Grazing and nutrient control.
Further details on peatland restoration in Wales can be found on the NPAP website or by emailing npap@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk