Peatlands are among our biggest allies in the fight against climate change – but their continued extraction destroys thousands of years of carbon-rich peat. This October, the UK Government committed to introduce legislation to end the sale of peat. We need your help to turn this promise into action.
The horticulture industry has made encouraging progress in becoming peat-free, reducing usage of peat by over 50%. But the pace of change doesn’t match the urgency needed, and progress without legislation is slowing. The industry still gets through a massive 760,000 cubic metres of peat per year – enough to fill over 300 Olympic swimming pools.
Peat is sold as an ingredient in bagged compost, direct to gardeners. It’s also used to grow most of the plants you buy in the garden centre, from bedding and perennials to trees and shrubs. Peat is also used to grow many of the fresh vegetables you buy from your local supermarket.
Governments have known about the damage that destroying peatlands does to the environment for decades.
Digging up peat:
- emits huge amounts of carbon, directly contributing to climate change.
- worsens the risk of flooding for nearby communities, as worked peatlands can’t absorb excess rainwater like intact ones can.
- obliterates habitat which might otherwise be home to many rare and unique species of plants, insects and birds.
It’s also completely unnecessary, as there are now high-quality peat-free alternatives – some so good they regularly out-compete peat-based composts in trials.
Sign our petition calling for the government to act now to pass legislation in 2026 and bring peat sales to an end at last. We want to take this to the Prime Minister’s doorstep, delivering it in person at 10 Downing Street. So, make your voice heard and sign now!