Peat bogs are disappearing fast, due to the high demand of gardeners. Lowland raised peat bogs are one of the UK's rarest and most vulnerable habitats. Over 94% has been lost - leaving us with under 6%.

Moreover, a great deal of peat is extracted from Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's), which brings with it a whole new host of problems, for other flora and fauna as well as wildlife.

Peat is sought after by gardeners, primarily for container gardening, which has become ever increasing popular over the past years. Although peat-free alternatives are becoming more readily available, peat is still a preferred choice.

Where to buy:
Many garden and DIY centres are beginning to source peat alternative products for their consumers - primarily due to consumer demand - and this is fantastic news for our peat bogs. The best way to find out whether you are buying peat or not is to check the ingredients of the bag prior to purchasing.

Veolia (formerly Onyx Environmental Group) produce a product called Pro-Grow, a fine grade totally peat free Soil Association Accredited soil conditioner, made under rigorous quality standards, from recycled garden material collected from their 26 Hampshire Household Recycling centres. And the best news, they now offer a free delivery service!

Please have a look through some of the following sites, which will give you a more detailed picture of how our peat-bogs are faring, and what you can do to help out:

The RSPB is an excellent resource for some hard facts and figures, as well as a few ideas of how you can get involved in the peat campaign.
The International Peat Society (IPS) is a non-governmental and a non-profit-making organisation the mission of which is to promote wise use of mires, peatlands and peat by advancing scientific, technical, economic and social knowledge and understanding.
Peat Alert is a group put together by the direct action movement, who have recently become interested in the peat issue. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew provide practical and useful advice for gardening without peat.