The project will use published and grey literature, where available, to assess the impact of techniques against metrics of success (these metrics will be defined in the first stage of the project). We are very aware that robust data is likely to be limited, which is why engaging with the sector is crucial - there is a request out now for internal reports, if you have information that relates to the success or failiure of techniques, please send these across.

The inclusion of techniques within the technical guidance will be based on the evidence that is available, expert observations, as well as assessing the objectives of different methods and likelihood of influencing the metrics of success. The strength of evidence in support of different techniques will be clearly identified (where possible) in the production of the technical guidance. 

There will be, and it will be shared with you as early as possible. We will be considering the range of stakeholders, level of interest and prefered method of engagement in the design of engagement and are currently collecting data to help us do so through the form on our website. If you would like to be involved, please complete the form. 

The primary focus of this work is to improve the consistency and quality of peatland restoration, and enable better measurement of progress against aims. In turn, this may facilitate private finance in projects that deliver on these aims (or are likely to), by improving confidence in associated claims. However, we are not designing a mechanism for private investment. 

The impact of a shift to paludiculture on agricultural peat soils will be considered against the definition of restoration success.  However, we will not be writing technical guidance on agricultural practice.

The first stage of the project is to define 'success' against policy objectives, which will encompass the services derived from peatlands. We are not predetermining what the conclusions from this will be. The technical guidance and peatland standard will then work to guide projects to achieving success, as defined in this first stage. 

The first stage of the project aims to produce a definition for success that reflects government policy objectives. The peatland standard will be informed by the results of this process, and be designed to guide projects towards achieving 'success' against the relevant metrics. Although the objectives for peatland restoration under the Peatland Standard will be formed by policy objectives, is unlikely that the Peatland Standard will directly relate upwards to the clear delivery of multiple and specific policy targets.

The aim of the first stage of the project is to establish a definition for success against policy objectives and the most appropriate metrics are for assessing it,  considering multiple factors, including timescales. We are aware that data may be limited, and the review aims to establish the strength of the evidence base and identify gaps, as well as answer the overarching questions (success against policy, peatland type, spatial and temporal etc elements) as best as  possible. 

One of the aims of this project is to improve the consistency and quality of peatland restoration projects, including publicly funded projects. We will consider whether alignment with the standard (for example, in project design) should be a requirement for funding in future, and Defra will engage the sector on this question. 

Yes, it will cover principles for ongoing maintenance of peatland restoration sites. However, providing detailed guidance on various types of land management (e.g. grazing) is not within the scope of the project and the standard will likely refer out to other resources (where noted and availible). 

The outputs of this project will inlcude guidance on the planning of restoration projects and mapping. What form this takes - i.e. whether it extends to producing standard GIS models has not yet been decided, and will be informed by consultation with the sector and current ways of working. These will have to be linked to the objectives outlined in the initial stage of the project. 

The first stage of the project aims to produce a definition for success that reflects policy objectives. This will consider the full breath of peatland types across England and Wales, as well as scale (landscape vs site level) and timeframes. The contents of the peatland restoration standard and technical guidance documents will be based around this definition.

Thank you for the suggestion. This is exactly the sort of feedback we are seeking with respect to the technical guidance document. 

The aim of the first stage of the project is to define success looks with respect to policy objectives, and what the most appropriate metrics are for assessing it. This will be established through a rapid evidence review, which will incorporate the Peatland Code's measures of success. The Peatland Code process and reporting requirements will also be considered in the development of technical guidance.

The IUCN will be part of the technical advisory group, which will be chaired by Natural England 

Yes, Iain Diack and others have been speaking to the technical advisory group about engagement with this work, and NE have been very helpful sharing documents and reports from that work. But also please send any reports you have to hand!

Yes, the standard will cover all types of peatland relevant to England and Wales

The evidence review will consider how success is defined against multiple related policy objectives, including biodiversity. This will also explore what the most appropriate metrics are for assessing success with respect to this definition.  We cannot predetermine what the outcome of this process will be and whether it would incorporate assessment of bird populations, but the standard will not preclude projects from undertaking additional measurements. 

Exactly how distinctly these will be treated in the technical guidance and peatland standard will depend on the outcomes of the evidence review and scope for common approaches. 

Yes, absolutely.

The two projects are distinct with no clear dependencies. The standard won't inform what counts for inclusion in ther register. 

Agreed that this is important. The technical guidance document will provide descriptions against named techniques, which should help improve consistency in the use of terminology. Having enagegement from different geographical and technical groups across the industry will be key to enabling this - please sign up on the contact form to have your expertise included.

Defining the objectives of restoration and what 'success' looks like is the very first stage of the project. This will explore multiple project and policy objectives through a rapid evidence review of published and grey literature. The metrics used to measure success will also be determined through this review, which will consider timescales.