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As we draw nearer to the growing season you may be ordering seeds and planning your gardens and allotments. A simple choice with a big environmental impact can be made at this time. By choosing peat free compost you will be helping the planet tackle climate change.

Peatlands contain twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined and by extracting peat we release stored carbon, destroy habitats and increase flood risk downstream. The release of carbon acts as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat from the sun and causing the earth’s temperature to rise. In turn this impacts on weather patterns, sea levels and eco systems.

The government unfortunately has delayed the ban of peat-based products until 2030 but by making a simple choice you can make your voice heard.

The RHS has pledged that it will be 100 percent peat free by the end of this year in all its gardens and is offering advice on peat free growing as you may need slightly different conditions and care. 

Go to www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat/peat-free-nurseries to get more free information.

Embsay with Eastby Environmental Action Group