RSPB Scotland suggested that the 40cm definition is not grounded in evidence, and is "simply 'splitting the difference' between the current depth of 50cm and aspiration of peatland interests that, if there needs to be a depth criterion, it should be lowered to 30cm"
The organisation favours no burning on peaty soils, but note that if a depth definition is required, they believe it should be 30cm, in line with definitions in some scientific literature, the UK Peatland Strategy, and the Peatland Code.
The UK Peatland Strategy, produced...