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

Peat-free gardening

Downloads

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

Related websites

Natural England