Peat Extraction & Horticulture

Image: Peat extraction site © Emma Goodyer

Peat Extraction & Horticulture

Commercial peat extraction occurs mainly on raised bogs to provide peat for gardening. The mechanised peat removal has a major ecological impact, stripping away the living layer and subsequently exposing large quantities of peat to oxidation and loss of carbon. Neighbouring areas of bog within the same hydrological unit can become degraded as a result of the drastically lowered water table. Currently, nearly three million cubic metres of peat are sold for horticultural use every year in the UK, one third of which comes from UK peatlands. The main users are amateur gardeners (66%), followed by industry (34%) and a small percentage by local authorities (<1%) (Defra 2010). Most peat use in the UK can readily be replaced by more sustainable alternatives. The growing media industry has developed high quality products often using composted green wastes which are now widely used.

The IUCN UK Peatland Programme is working with a number of partners, including UK and devolved governments to investigate the restrictions around peat extraction and site restoration, as well as supporting research and policy to support the development of sustainable, peat-free alternatives.

For more information:

 

Molinia Mulching Agglestone Mire, remover higher tussocks to increase the connectivity of the floodplain (c) Sally Wallington
Dorset peatland restorationThe Dorset Peat Partnership completed the first of their sixteen peatland restoration sites in…
Work begins at Duchal Moor. © Giulia Spilotros/Glasgow Green Network Clyde Valley
Council leads the way with major peatland restoration project A three-year project to restore an area of peatland larger than 780 football pitches in Inverclyde…
Eyes on the Bog logo
Funding for Eyes on the Bog users Our Eyes on the Bog Fund aims to support existing Eyes on the Bog users to purchase new equipment,…
Forest to Bog Restoration cover image and example spread
New report showcases successes in forest to bog restoration'Forest to Bog Restoration: Demonstrating Success', the fourth publication the series, highlights…
Sphagnum pulchrum © Brian Eversham
Don't miss our 'Measuring biodiversity: from principles to practice' webinar!Join the IUCN UK Peatland Programme for this free webinar as we explore traditional and…
Sphagnum lindbergii (c) Emma Hinchliffe
Introducing our species showcasesThroughout 2024, we are celebrating peatland biodiversity through a series of monthly showcases…
Emperor moth (C) Pete Quinn
Come and volunteer with us!We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Communications Volunteer who can help us with our…
Snowdon (c) Marian Pye
Fill in the PeatQuest Survey to shape global peatland researchThe PeatQuest Research Project team are inviting you to participate in their global survey, as your…
Peter Jones
New Year Honours for peatland specialistNatural Resources Wales’ senior peatland specialist, Dr Peter Jones, has been awarded an MBE for…
Saltyco Engine Farm Paludiculture trials (C) E Hinchliffe
Paludiculture call for evidence for Peatland CodePlease fill in our survey! We are inviting evidence for all paludiculture sites and all crop types…
Screenshot of Virtual Peatland Pavilion
New Virtual Peatland PavilionThe IUCN UK Peatland Programme and Richard Lindsay have produced a new Virtual Peatland Pavilion,…
Clifton Bain (c) IUCN UK PP
Clifton Bain retires after 14 yearsAfter 14 years at the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, our Programme Advisor Clifton Bain, is retiring.…