UK Government confirms delay on peat-based gardening products ban until 2030

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is very disappointed by last week’s DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) announcement that some peat-containing products will be exempt from a ban until 2030, meaning some professional growers could still be using peat for the next 7 years.

Peat is dug out of wild places, damaging some of the last remaining peatlands in the UK and overseas. Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust has long been campaigning to save peatlands

Ian Cracknell, Advocacy Officer at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust said:

“Given such a clear link between these products and the damage caused to precious peatland wildlife habitats, we urgently need action much sooner.  As well as destroying these vital habitats for endangered wildlife, this process also releases carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. There are many suitable alternatives to peat-based growing medium, and if the public can use them, why can’t the professionals?”

The Trust provides a handy list of local peat-free compost suppliers at wildsheffield.com/peat-free-compost to help gardeners to help make an informed choice. Ian adds “We’d love people to share their pictures of peat-free gardening with us, to showcase how easy it is to make this simple change.”

Ailis Watt, peat policy of