Sign the petition to end peat sales
It’s time for decisive action from Government to ban peat sales. Alongside horticultural businesses, major environmental organisations, and amateur gardeners all over the country – we’re calling on Government to #EndPeatSales by 2026.
The horticulture industry has led the transition to peat-free growing but can’t eliminate peat without the right support from Government. Voluntary measures haven’t worked, and amateur gardeners need clarity on peat-free products so they can avoid ‘hidden peat’ in potted plants and mushrooms.
Delays have wrought havoc for the industry - and confusion for gardeners.
Worse still, successive government failures to act has seen ancient peatlands continue to be dug up for horticulture. This releases thousands of tonnes of carbon and destroys precious habitats.
As part of the Peat-free Partnership, a coalition of businesses and NGOs, we're calling on Government to introduce legislation to Parliament in 2026.
Why hasn't there been a peat ban yet?
In August 2022, the Conservative government announced the sale of peat for use in the amateur gardening sector would be banned by 2024. This deadline was missed.
In March 2023, Defra confirmed it would be banning peat use by the professional horticulture sector by 2026. But a change of government in 2024 seemed to put this commitment on hold too.
Then on 29 October, this year, the Government announced it intended to introduce legislation to end the sale of peat in its Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan.
While this announcement brings us closer to the position held by the previous government before the general election - where legislation had been announced but was not acted upon - it does not go far enough.
The Delivery Plan only commits to legislation “when Parliamentary time allows” which fails to give any certainty. It's unacceptable for the UK Government to keep kicking the peat ban can further down the road.