Pioneering peatland conservationist stuart brooks dies at 56, leaving legacy of wetland protection

Stuart Brooks, a leading figure in peatland conservation who helped transform public understanding of these critical ecosystems, died on December 11 at age 56. Throughout his career, Brooks worked tirelessly to elevate peatlands from dismissed “wasteland” to recognized environmental treasures essential for biodiversity, water management, and climate regulation.

For decades, peatlands occupied the margins of environmental consciousness—neither photogenic nor easily monetized, they were routinely drained, burned, or converted for development. Brooks was among a dedicated group of specialists who changed that narrative through patient scientific work and skilled policy advocacy. Trained as a geographer, he discovered peatlands as a student and devoted his professional life to their protection as these ecosystems gained recognition for their environmental importance.

In the 1990s, Brooks pioneered raised bog restoration techniques and helped compile scattered practical knowledge into “Conserving Bogs: The Management Handbook,” published in 1997. This comprehensive guide became the standard reference for conservation practitioners worldwide. His career flourished primarily in Scotland, where he rose through the ranks of the Scottish Wildlife Trust to become director of conservation before moving to the John Muir Trust.

Brooks distinguished himself not merely as a scientist, but as an exceptional translator of technical expertise into actionable policy and real-world conservation practice. His death represents a significant loss for the peatland conservation community, but his methodical approach to protecting these carbon-rich ecosystems helped establish the foundation for their continued preservation in an era of climate change.