Peat Free Gardening

The importance of peat

Peat is formed as vegetation in wetlands dies and instead of rotting away it settles beneath the water. Over many years it begins to build up as layers of organic plant remains that are gradually compressed to form peat. Because the plant remains do not fully rot away like they would do on dry land they store the carbon that was in the plants. Peat is therefore an important ‘sink’ for carbon and a healthy growing peat bog can retain vast quantities. This means there is less to enter the atmosphere and contribute towards global warming.

By preserving peatlands we can make a contribution toward minimising the impact of climate change.

Here in Norfolk we have two peatland areas. At one time much of the Fenland Basin of west Norfolk was a huge wetland, much of it formed on peat. It has now been largely drained for agriculture and not peat extraction. The peat soils still remain although they are disappearing now that they are not covered by water. Although they are not now threatened by peat digging much of the Broads as we know them to day were actually created by peat digging hundreds of years ago. The big difference was that compared to today’s industrial scale exploitation the digging in the past was at a scale that nature could adapt to.

The use of peat in horticulture and gardening has contributed towards the total or partial destruction of many of the most important wildlife habitats in the country. Peat bogs also know as peatlands are home to a wide range of species, many restricted to that habitat. Over 94% of our peatlands nationally have been destroyed or damaged and much of this is attributable to peat extraction. Whilst there is no large scale commercial extraction of peat in Norfolk, elsewhere it is on industrial scale with large machinery stripping away huge volumes of peat. Gardeners account for 70% of peat use.

If gardeners can change to peat free alternatives then we can take a big step forward in preserving our peatlands and those in other countries.

Progress has been made, however, in safeguarding some but not all of the most threatened peatlands in recent years. However, we are now importing peat from other countries and helping to destroy their valuable habitats. It is vital that we switch to using peat free alternatives.

What is Norfolk Wildlife Trust doing to safeguard peatlands? Together with other Wildlife Trusts across the country we are

• protecting our existing peatlands and managing them to safeguard their rare and beautiful wildlife
• restoring areas of peatland that have been drained in the past
• lobbying retailers who sell peat products to encourage them to phase out peat use and supply peat free alternatives
• providing information to consumers on how to choose peat free alternatives

What you can do?
Think about where you use peat – it can come in pot plants, plugs as well as being bought in bags
Commit yourself to going peat free. To help, download the leaflet ‘Where to buy peat-free’ and decide to go peat free today. It couldn’t be simpler. {Link to the leaflet on peat from TWT website}
Take up composting and produce your own peat free soil improver. Most local authorities will have information on composting. Try their website or call for information.