Globey peatland (1)

Protecting the peatlands

Globey peatland (1)

Peatlands are one of the UK’s most important natural environments, quietly storing carbon, supporting biodiversity and helping regulate water across entire landscapes. Yet despite their importance, atleast 80% of peatlands across the UK have been damaged or degraded.

At London St. Pancras Highspeed, protecting and restoring peatlands forms part of our wider sustainability ambitions. Through our peatland restoration initiatives and creative projects such as The Composer’s Cabin, we’re raising awareness of these remarkable landscapes and the important role they play in building a lower carbon future.

What are peatlands?

Peatlands are wetland ecosystems formed over thousands of years by layers of slowly decomposing plants and mosses. In the UK, they are often found in bogs, moorlands and upland landscapes. Although they cover a relatively small area globally, peatlands store over twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined.

  • Atleast 80%
    of UK peatlands are damaged or degraded.
  • Nearly 5 million
    acres of peatland across the UK, one of the world's top 10 for peatland area.
  • Over 100 years
    to form just 10cm of peat in a peat bog.
  • One hectare
    of peat just 30cm deep stores more carbon than 1 hectare of rainforest.

For peat’s sake

Peatlands play a vital role in the health of our natural environment, supporting landscapes, ecosystems and communities across the UK. Despite often going unnoticed, they are among the country’s most valuable natural assets and are increasingly recognised as an important part of creating a more resilient future.

  • Peatland pages

    Tackling climate change

    Peatlands are often called “natural carbon sinks” because they capture and lock away carbon over thousands of years. However, when peatlands are damaged through drainage, extraction or degradation, that stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases.

    Because peat forms extremely slowly, damaged peatlands can take generations to recover naturally. Protecting and restoring peatlands therefore plays an important role in supporting climate resilience and reducing emissions.

  • Peatland pages (1)

    Supporting biodiversity and wildlife

    Peat bogs provide important habitats for a wide variety of species, including:

    • Dragonflies
    • Curlews
    • Mosses and rare plants
    • Pollinators and insects

    Healthy peatlands support wider ecosystems across the UK and help protect biodiversity for future generations.

  • Peatland pages (2)

    Managing water and reducing flooding

    Peatlands naturally absorb rainfall like giant sponges, slowly releasing water back into the landscape over time. This can help reduce downstream flooding, improve water quality, and support healthier ecosystems during extreme weather events.

    As climate patterns continue to change, healthy peatlands are becoming increasingly important natural defences.

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How we’re protecting peatlands

Protecting and restoring peatlands forms part of London St. Pancras Highspeed’s wider sustainability strategy and commitment to supporting lower carbon infrastructure and biodiversity initiatives.

Our work has included:

  • Supporting peatland restoration projects across the UK
  • Helping restore damaged peat bog habitats and natural water systems
  • Raising awareness of peatlands through public engagement and creative partnerships
  • Bringing peatland-inspired storytelling to life through initiatives such as The Composer’s Cabin at St. Pancras International
Peatland Project
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The Composer’s Cabin

Following its Silver Medal success at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, The Composer’s Cabin has arrived at St. Pancras International. Designed by Martha Krempel and Malvern Garden Buildings and inspired by the beauty and importance of UK peatland landscapes, the installation combines peatland-inspired interactive planting, a bog soundscape, and a self-playing Steinway & Sons grand piano.

Located on the station concourse, the adapted installation invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds and stories of Britain’s peatlands while highlighting the vital role they play in supporting biodiversity and climate control.

Discover the cabin

How can you help?

Protecting peatlands is not only the responsibility of governments and organisations – small, everyday actions can also make a difference.

Choose peat-free compost

One of the simplest ways to help is by choosing peat-free compost for gardening and houseplants.

When shopping for compost, check labels carefully, look specifically for “peat-free” wording, and choose sustainably sourced gardening products where possible

Support peatland restoration projects

You can also support organisations working to restore damaged peatlands by volunteering your time, visiting peatland landscapes responsibly, supporting conservation initiatives, and donating if you can.

Spread awareness

Many people are still unaware of how important peatlands are for climate and biodiversity. Sharing information about peat-free gardening, peatland restoration, and sustainable landscapes and biodiversity, can help encourage wider positive change.

Learn more about peatlands

Understanding how peatlands work, and why they matter, is an important step towards protecting them for future generations. Useful resources to learn more include IUCN UK Peatland Programme, Royal Horticultural Society Peat Advice, and RHS Guide to Peat-Free Compost.