England’s largest carbon store is hidden in plain sight beneath our feet

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Peatlands are vital national assets that filter water, prevent floods, and capture carbon. Yet, most of England’s peat is in poor condition, often drained or covered by dry-land vegetation. A new nationwide map now uses artificial intelligence to reveal the true extent and health of these critical, overlooked ecosystems.

Peatlands are unique landscapes formed by the incomplete decomposition of organic matter, typically in waterlogged conditions. While they cover only about 3% of the Earth's surface, they act as the planet's largest terrestrial carbon store, holding over 600 gigatons of carbon. In England, these deposits are essential for environmental services, including water filtration and flood defense. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that 80% of the UK's peatlands are currently degraded.

To better manage these assets, Natural England recently launched the England Peat Map. This project integrates satellite imagery, LiDAR, and historic land use data, processed through machine learning algorithms trained on over 300,000 field survey points. The resulting map provides a detailed view of peat depth, vegetation, and drainage channels, achieving an accuracy of over 95% for identifying peaty soils. This technological leap allows for more precise planning in conservation and greenhouse gas emission accounting.

The data reveals a stark reality: approximately three-quarters of England's peatlands are dominated by vegetation associated with dry conditions, such as broadleaved woodlands or arable land, rather than the wetland plants required for healthy peat formation. Only 1% of the area is covered by Sphagnum mosses, which are crucial for peat growth. Because new peat accumulates at a rate of only about 1mm per year, restoration and protection are the only viable ways to maintain these ecosystems. The map serves as a vital tool for policymakers and conservationists to prioritize interventions, particularly in lowland areas where intensive agriculture has historically caused significant degradation and carbon emissions.

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