MPs’ and Peers’ Information and Discussion Event: –
House of Commons, 29th April 2025
The Stronger Together campaign is intensifying its efforts to protect England’s irreplaceable peatlands by seeking a ban on wind farms on protected peatland through proposed amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
This push complements their Parliamentary petition, which so far has garnered nearly 8,000 signatures (see petition here).
You can play a vital role in this campaign by writing to your MP as soon as possible. Encourage them to support these amendments and attend the House of Commons event on 29th April (10 a.m. to midday), where the amendments will be introduced.
Below is a template letter you can use to contact your MP. You can find your MP’s contact details HERE.
LETTER TO YOUR MP
Subject: Support Amendments to Protect Peatlands in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
Dear [MP’s name],
I am writing to seek your support for amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would ban wind farms on protected peatlands in England. If your schedule permits, I also invite you to attend an informational event on this critical issue in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 29th April, from 10 a.m. to midday (room number to be confirmed).
This event, organised by the Stronger Together to Stop Calderdale Wind Farm campaign and sponsored by Conservative MP Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkley), will feature Richard Lindsay, an internationally recognised expert in peatland ecology and conservation. Richard, Senior Research Advisor to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Head of Conservation Research at the University of East London, will present scientific evidence supporting the amendments and answer questions from MPs and Peers.
Peatland is one of the world’s most biodiverse and carbon-rich habitats, often called the “Amazon rainforest of the UK.” Full-depth blanket bog alone stores an astonishing 1,600 tonnes of carbon per hectare—four times more than tropical rainforest. Tragically, peatland is also one of the most threatened ecosystems.
Wind energy developments on peatlands risk undermining their critical carbon capture function. Construction activities and subsequent drainage can dry out the peatland, releasing vast amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Restoration of damaged peat can take over 150 years, rendering this destruction irreversible within the typical 40-year lifespan of a wind farm.
Regrettably, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, as currently drafted, is poised to weaken environmental protections for special conservation sites, including protected peatlands.
More than 30 environmental charities have already warned that the Bill undermines the Government’s pledge of a “win-win” for nature and development, threatening to erode environmental laws (https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/charities-challenge-ministers-fix-planning-bill-or-nature-will-pay-price).
While proposed amendments such as reinstating the Habitats Regulations represent progress, they still allow significant loopholes. These gaps enable infrastructure projects, including wind farms, to proceed even on irreplaceable habitats if specific derogation tests are met by the Secretary of State. (https://saverestorewalshawmoor.wordpress.com/2025/04/08/angela-rayners-ministry-says-no-need-to-ban-windfarms-on-protected-peatland-were-not-convinced/).
I strongly urge you to:
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- Support the proposed amendments to protect peatlands. (https://saverestorewalshawmoor.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/proposed-pib-amendments-to-ban-windfarms-on-protected-peatland.docx)
- Attend the House of Commons event on 29th April, 10 a.m. to midday, to learn more from the experts.
Protecting our peatlands is essential to preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. Your support can make a significant difference for future generations.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address and Phone Number]