Ban wind farms on protected peat land in England
In its recent consultation on new onshore wind planning regulations, the government asked if some habitats, such as those containing peat soils, need extra protection from renewable energy development. We say YES! As did 90% of respondents to this question.
Signatures
15,437
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 15,437/100,000
- 24 JUL 2025Petition closedFinal total: 15,437 signatures
- 10 JUN 2025Government respondedDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroGovernment reply
We will not ban windfarms on peatland in England. Protections in the planning system and best practice guidance ensure development on peatland is carefully considered, mitigated, and compensated.
Read full response - 24 MAY 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 24 JAN 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
We think the unintended consequence of building wind farms on protected peat land would be to worsen the nature and climate crisis - peatland's stored carbon would be released as a result of infrastructure construction. Reliable analysis shows there's plenty of available land in England for all the onshore wind farms needed for the green transition, without building on protected peatland. The Government should apply the precautionary principle - there is nothing to lose by doing so.