He explained: “Our peatlands are of enormous importance to our environment, affecting our water quality, conserving biodiversity and in mitigating climate change by storing carbon, so I am delighted to announce the opening of this £3 million competition fund. It provides a great opportunity to support local not-for-profit organisations and councils to help improve the conditions of our peatlands, many of which are sadly in poor condition.”

In recent years, DAERA’s Environment Fund has supported multiple councils and not-for-profit organizations, including Ulster Wildlife, in restoring local peatland sites. This support has enabled significant projects, such as our recent acquisition of Haughey’s Bog in Co. Tyrone. Once a commercially harvested peatland, Haughey’s Bog is now being transformed into a thriving peatland as part of a ten-year restoration plan – to help bring nature back, improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and tackle climate change. Find out more about Ulster Wildlife's peatland restoration projects

Councils and voluntary organisations can now apply to the Fund which offers a minimum grant of £50,000 for projects that will protect and improve habitats and the quality of our water.

Further information, including, eligibility, guidance notes and details of how you can apply for funding, can be found on the DAERA website at: Environment Fund 2023 – 2028