Applications Now Open for the Lowland Peat Water Implementation Grant

Applications are now being accepted for the Lowland Peat Water Implementation Grant, as part of a new funding initiative aimed at safeguarding England’s vital peatlands. With up to £36 million available, this grant is designed to support the installation of infrastructure that will enhance water management in lowland peat areas. Detailed information on how to apply can be found through the relevant government link.

The application window will remain open until 18 September 2026.

The Importance of the Grant

Lowland peatlands represent some of England’s most significant landscapes, crucial for carbon storage, wildlife habitats, and productive agricultural land. However, extensive drainage over the years has led to these areas becoming degraded, resulting in drying out, carbon emissions, and threats to ecosystems.

The Implementation Grant scheme aims to fund infrastructure that will maintain higher water levels within these lowland landscapes, thus preserving peat soils. The primary objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from lowland peat while also promoting sustainable land use, enhancing flood and drought resilience, and improving biodiversity. Projects that adopt a collaborative and strategic approach to water management across peatland catchments will be prioritised.

The Need for Sustainable Water Management

Raising water tables in lowland peatlands is a crucial step towards ecological recovery and climate resilience. Effective solutions require local expertise, partnerships, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each catchment area.

Currently, around 80% of England’s peatlands are in a degraded state, contributing approximately 2% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which is akin to the emissions from about 3.5 million homes. Alarmingly, drained lowland peat accounts for 88% of these emissions.

By implementing sustainable water management practices, we can mitigate soil degradation, reduce emissions, and support productive and sustainable agricultural practices. Previous initiatives, such as the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot (LAPWDP) and the Lowland Agricultural Peat Small Infrastructure Pilot (LAPSIP), have demonstrated the potential for innovative water management infrastructure to sustainably raise water levels in lowland peat soils, thereby facilitating better land management.

Grant Administration and Successful Projects

The Environment Agency is leading the grant initiative, with backing from the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) and the Defra Lowland Peat Team. These organisations have collaborated closely to establish the grant programme.

Successful projects will be expected to:

• Implement infrastructure that promotes the rewetting of lowland peat, enabling safe water table management.
• Engage effectively with local stakeholders to foster collaboration.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with lowland peat, thus curbing peat degradation.
• Contribute to broader benefits, including the transition to more sustainable land uses, improved biodiversity, and enhanced resilience to flooding and drought.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible applicants include:

• Charities or not-for-profit organisations
• Public bodies, such as local authorities and internal drainage boards
• Land managers
• Businesses or commercial enterprises

If you operate within England’s lowland peat areas, you are encouraged to apply. Collaboration with local stakeholders is strongly advised to ensure project relevance and appropriateness.

To begin the application process, interested parties can find further details and request an application pack through the designated government link. All applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 18 September 2026. Grant awards are anticipated to be made in December 2026, and projects must be completed by 31 March 2030.

A second application window is planned for Summer 2028, with the same project completion deadline. Additional information will be provided closer to that time.

Funding Details and Resources

Applicants can seek funding ranging from £100,000 to £2,000,000, with grants covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.

The Lowland Peat Water Grants team operates a SharePoint website that offers a wealth of information about the scheme, including answers to frequently asked questions and essential documents like the grant handbook. Access may need to be requested when first visiting the site.

For those interested in learning more, a webinar is scheduled for 15 July, aimed at assisting applicants with their submissions. Participants can register through the provided link. If attendance is not possible or if further questions arise, the team can be contacted via the designated email address.

We look forward to your engagement and contributions to this vital initiative!