Government bans peat burning on protected bogs The burning of vegetation will be banned in sites of ‘special scientific interest’, in ‘conservation’ and ‘special protection’ areas The government has today announced a ban on peat burning on protected blanket bog sites. Blanket bog is an area of peatland which is believed to provide multiple environmental benefits, including carbon storage, flood mitigation, wildlife and biodiversity support. The UK has 13% of the world’s blanket bog, official figures show. According to the new regulations, the burning of vegetation is prohibited in sites of ‘special scientific interest’, in ‘conservation’ and ‘special protection’ areas.