Anglesey peatland specialist appointed MBE in New Year’s Honours List

Peter Jones, from Anglesey, was be appointed a MBE after being recognised for services to Welsh peatlands and to the community in Wales.

Peter Jones is NRW’s senior specialist advisor for peatland ecosystems across Wales.

With a career spanning more than 27 years, he has played a pivotal role in advancing understanding of peatland ecosystems and advocating for their protection.

Peatlands - crucial ecosystems that store vast amounts of carbon and support unique biodiversity - have become increasingly important in the global fight against climate change.

Peter helped establish the National Peatland Action Programme, which is being delivered by NRW to help address the nature and climate emergencies.

He graduated with a first-class honours degree in Botany and has a PhD in wetland ecology, both from Cardiff University.

He is married with two children and lives in Capel Coch on Anglesey on the edge of Cors Erddreiniog National Nature Reserve, one of Wales’s largest lowland peatlands.

Outside of work, he is a member of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution shore crew at Moelfre Lifeboat Station on Anglesey.                                          

Recalling when he received his letter telling him he had been awarded the honour, Peter said: “It was completely unexpected; it doesn’t feel real and I am very humbled by it. 

“I am just one of many committed people at NRW working to safeguard and improve our wonderful peatland resource and the wider Welsh environment.”

Clare Pillman, NRW’s chief executive, added: "I am delighted that Pete has received this honour as it acknowledges the importance of working for the environment to our society.

“He has dedicated his career to understanding, restoring and promoting our understanding of peatlands.”