With the help of members of Environmental Assistance, the Thorne and Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum secured National Lottery "Awards for All" funds in order to make this event possible.

The aim of the Peatland Conference was to bring together all stakeholders involved in the peat issue, to present facts, educate and inform the wider audience of the value and importance of peatlands and from this debate to draw conclusions as to the future for the UK's peatlands.

Michael Meacher Minister of State (Environment) was keynote speaker at the conference. The two day conference was attended by over 100 delegates from all over the UK.

The topics discussed included the history of peatlands, their importance and their conservation, peatlands and environmental change, growing medium requirements from a horticultural perspective, peat alternatives, and protection through the planning and legislative frameworks, community initiative projects - using the Peatlands Park in Northern Ireland as a model. A question time allowed delegates to address the speakers on issues or aspects of concern.

The conference was attended by members and observers of the Forum itself, by representatives of English Nature, English Heritage, The Environment Agency, county Wildlife Trusts, Environmental Assistance and other charities with similar aims and objectives as the Forum, the RSPB, The Council for British Archaeology, academic institutions with scientific interest in all aspects of peatland ecology, archaeology and landscape use. Delegates were invited from horticultural organisations such as the Royal Horticultural Society, Kew Botanical Gardens and the Soil Association. Peat alternative companies and the peat extraction industry were also represented - speakers from both addressed delegates. Members of the public were also present.