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Destruction of peat bogs
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Destruction of peat bogs

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

The destruction of lowland raised peat bogs continues - even on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - because people still buy peat for their plants and gardens.

What is the issue?

Lowland raised peatbogs are one of Europe's rarest and most vulnerable habitats. In the UK, 94% of their original extent has been lost. Less than 6,000 ha remain in a near-natural condition.

Peat use

Gardeners are responsible for virtually all of the peat used in the UK, despite the growing availability and quality of peat-free alternatives.

Peat - actions!

To save peatbogs, the following actions must be taken:

  • Peat extraction on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) must end.
  • The Government must support its 90% peat-free target by 2010 with an action plan and resources to help the industry switch to peat alternatives.
  • Horticultural growers must go peat-free.
  • Garden centres and product manufacturers must promote peat alternatives
  • Gardeners must make their own compost and buy only peat-free products.      

Peat can be entirely replaced in the UK, by alternatives based on green composts and woody materials. Find out more in the report Peatering OutTM - towards a sustainable UK growing media industry, which you can download from this page.

What can I do?

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

Back to basics

Downloads

Peatering out (431Kb)
This RSPB and English Nature report shows how peat use could be ended in 10 years in the UK.