RSPB supports the policy principles set out. Peat soils where they occur in Greater Cambridge are a significant potential source of carbon emissions when managed inappropriately. Where biodiversity net gain or green infrastructure provision associated with development can bring peat soils under suitable wetland habitats, this can have very significant benefits for both carbon emissions and biodiversity.

For example, studies have shown that CO2 emissions from cultivated peatland soils can reach c39 tonnes per hectare per year. Restoring this land to lowland wet grassland could reduce emissions by between 27 to 33 tonnes per ha per year, whereas restoration to swamp fen could reduce emissions by 33 to 40 tonnes per ha per year (with the potential for land to in effect become a carbon sink).