Growing a peat-free future
Berkshire Life|April 2020
The Peat Free April campaign is calling on gardeners to stop using peat in composts and switch to alternatives. Naomi Slade investigates...
Growing a peat-free future
When we head out into the garden, we green-fingered types tend to think that we are doing our bit for nature. Many of us encourage frogs and toads into our ponds, feed the birds in winter and carefully plant nectar-rich blooms to nourish the bees and butterflies.

But as awareness of the full and potentially devastating effect of human activity on our planet grows, and the spectre of climate catastrophe looms, some of our other gardening habits are rightfully coming under scrutiny. And this month, when sowing, pricking out and potting on reaches its peak, the Peat Free April campaign is calling on gardeners to stop using peat in composts and switch to alternatives instead.

The facts and figures are compelling. According to the campaign, 30% of land-based carbon deposits are in peat bogs. And, according to Plantlife, not only is the UK amateur gardening market responsible for using nearly 70% of the peat that is extracted from our bogs, but because the sphagnum moss grows so slowly, commercial extraction can remove up to 500 years’ worth of growth annually.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Berkshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Berkshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BERKSHIRE LIFEView All
A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Berkshire Life

A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home

Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
Berkshire Life

Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?

They are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but should they really be the Duke and Duchess of Berkshire, which is, of course, a Royal county?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A national hero
Berkshire Life

A national hero

He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Fruitful thinking
Berkshire Life

Fruitful thinking

Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire Life

THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL

Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Berkshire Life

“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”

Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Remembering the fallen
Berkshire Life

Remembering the fallen

The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire Life

HIDDEN WONDERS

Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Berkshire Life

EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead

Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
A good grounding
Berkshire Life

A good grounding

Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020