Why we all need to ‘Ditch the Peat’.

Peatlands are carbon rich wetlands that cover up to 12% of the UK land area and 3% of the global land surface. When well-managed and maintained, they have a net cooling effect on climate, reduce flood risk and support biodiversity. Healthy peatlands can reduce the flow of water from the uplands and provide floodplain storage for the lowlands. They also provide essential habitat for many wading birds, rare insects, flora and fauna.

Around 80% of the 3 million hectares of UK peatland have been affected by human activities, including the extraction of peat from lowland bogs for the horticulture industry, forestry channels being dug in the uplands and the draining of the lowlands, resulting in this precious environment hanging in the balance. It is estimated that there are more than 3.2 million tonnes of C02 being held in the UK peatlands alone and the affect it would have on the climate, if released, is unthinkable.

The UK Government has announced a ban on the sale of peat-based products in garden centres from 2024, as around 70% of peat is sold to gardeners. Professionals account for only 30% of the sales of peat-based products, but it is estimated that if the ban encompasses both groups C02 emissions would reduce by up to 4 million tonnes over the next 20 years.

It takes 1,000 years for 1m of peat to form, so here at Gardoo we are doing our bit to help save this wonderful piece of natural habitat for the benefit of all, by ensuring that our own composts are absolutely peat-free. Support the continued fightback for UK peatlands and ‘Ditch the Peat’ by using our Heart of Eden, All-Purpose Natural Compost, which is ethically produced and 100% peat-free!