Our peat policy
In line with the aims of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, our objective is to be 90% peat-free. We aim to source suitable, well managed renewable alternatives to peat which also have a low carbon impact.
Commitments
- Continue to work with and influence other key members of the UK horticultural industry in supporting practical and measured initiatives to reduce the use of peat in horticulture
- Reduce the use of peat in retail bags and plant products wherever possible by using acceptable alternatives and minimising the volume wherever peat is used
- Continue trials to investigate and develop alternatives that achieve the quality results required
- Offer choice to the customer by providing alternatives wherever practical and identify and promote the alternative to the customer so that they can make an informed choice
- Source peat responsibly, so that any extraction minimises damage to the environment or habitat
- Ensure peat is not sourced from designated areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or any national equivalent
- Encourage suppliers to comply with best practice and have habitat rehabilitation plans post-extraction
- Require all manufacturers of bagged products to join the Growing Media Initiative (GMI) and ensure their production and extraction processes comply with the British Ornamental Plant Producers' code of practice for growing media manufacturers
- Encourage all manufacturers of bagged products and plant suppliers to develop a growing media policy that sets targets and contains action plans to meet them.
