Collaborating for Peatlands: MHT at IUCN 2026

Mourne Heritage Trust was pleased to be represented at this year’s IUCN UK Peatland Programme Conference, held at Swansea University’s Bay Campus — a stunning coastal setting bordered by Kenfig Nature Reserve, Crymlyn Bog, and the expansive sand and mudflats of the Bristol Channel.

The conference brought together over 400 delegates from across the UK and Europe, creating a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation. A wide range of trade stands showcased the latest technological advances in scientific monitoring, while dozens of expert-led presentations and in-depth “Deep Dive” seminars explored cutting-edge peatland restoration practices, policy developments and research.

Field visits offered valuable insights into real-world challenges and solutions, with trips spanning sites such as the Brecon Beacons National Park — heavily impacted by repeated landscape-scale fires — and Llyn Llech Owain Country Park on the urban fringe of Swansea.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of two new publications, Bringing Peat to Life and Native Trees in Peatland Landscapes, further strengthening the evidence base for peatland restoration and management.

The conference also saw strong representation from Northern Ireland, with just under 30 delegates attending from organisations including MHT, RSPB, Ulster Wildlife, NIEA, UFU and Buglife — reflecting the growing momentum and collaboration in peatland conservation across the region.