At the Peat-free Partnership, we are dedicated to securing legislation to end the sale of peat for horticulture in the UK – but why do we need it? Read more to find out what makes peatlands so special and why we need your help to advocate for their protection.

Peatlands are unique ecosystems which support incredible biodiversity and store significant amounts of carbon. Despite covering only 3% of the earth’s surface, peatlands store more carbon than the world’s forests combined. In fact, peatlands in the UK alone are estimated to store 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon.

These amazing habitats are home to a number of specialist species including round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), the bog hoverfly (Eristalis cryptarum) and our peat builders, sphagnum mosses.

Why are peatlands important?

Many specialist species are found living in peatlands because they are able to tolerate difficult conditions. Peatlands are acidic and low in nutrients so only certain species can thrive.

For example, the round-leaved sundew is a carnivorous plant. Rather than getting nitrogen from the soil, it catches insects using a sticky fluid. This makes the low-nitrogen environment of peat bogs the perfect habitat for this unique plant.

Healthy, active peatlands are covered by beautiful ‘living carpets’ formed by sphagnum mosses. These mosses are crucial for the production of peat as they hold incredible amounts of water, creating the waterlogged conditions that the decaying process of the organic material around it. Eventually, the partially decomposed organic material becomes peat. We call these “peat builders”, because the mosses themselves form a large part of what we call peat.

What’s the deal with peat-free horticulture?

Peat is extremely popular in the horticulture industry for its water retaining qualities. In 2022, the UK got through 950,000 cubic metres of peat for professional and amateur gardening. However, peat takes an incredibly long time to form. In fact, it takes a whole year to form just 1 millimetre of peat.

This means that the carbon taken up by partially-decayed plants is locked up for thousands of years, historically making peatlands a net carbon sink. But, when extracted and exposed to air, decomposition starts to occur more rapidly. That means that digging up 1 metre of peat releases 1,000 years worth of stored carbon! Damaged peatlands in the UK are currently acting as a carbon source rather than sink.

Peat is known to be found in bagged compost, but it can also be hidden in your houseplants, plug plants, and may have even been used to grow the mushrooms and leafy greens you have in your kitchen.

Despite peat’s popularity in the world of gardening and horticulture, it is not necessary for growing successful, beautiful plants. In fact, many nurseries and growers have grown successfully peat-free for years both at home and at a professional level. Our Hort Shorts series highlights businesses who are manufacturing peat-free products or growing peat-free on a commercial scale.

We are on a mission to protect our precious peatlands through legislation to end peat sales in all four nations of the UK. Whether you’re a nursery owner, home gardener or if you simply love our environment, you can do your bit for our peatlands.