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Peat-free gardening

Lochans and peat bog at the RSPB Forsinard nature reserve, Scotland
Lochans and peat bog at RSPB Forsinard Flows nature reserve

The large-scale removal of peat from bogs in Britain and Ireland is destroying one of our most precious wildlife habitats. It takes centuries for a peat bog to form, with its special wildlife - modern machinery destroys it in days.

Peat alternatives are available in most garden centres and DIY stores, or you can use your own compost. These alternatives are excellent in the garden if used in the right way. 

Different peat alternatives are available for seeds, potting and soil conditioning.

The RSPB endorses a range of peat-free products from Terra EcoSystems. For more information and a list of suppliers in your area, visit the Terra EcoSystems website, linked from this page.

What can I do?

How can you get a 'greener' garden?

Green living in the garden

Want to do even more?

The life is being sucked out of the Flow Country. You can do something to help - for all the birds and other wildlife whose existence depends on this unique peatland habitat

Give a gift today to ensure we can undo the damage before it's too late

What can I do?

Take part in 'Homes for Wildlife' and we'll provide you with all the advice you'll need to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden.

In more depth

  • Destruction of peat bogs