RHS Shows update on transition to peat-free: year-one review
We remain focused on this transition because protecting peatlands matters. We know it is important to RHS members and gardeners, and to the horticultural sector, which needs to be able to showcase a rich diversity of plants to the highest standards in a way that is responsible and sustainable. Our aim is to keep leading the move away from new peat use while working with industry to address the challenges that remain.
One year in, we have taken time to take stock of how the transition is working in practice. We have done this through an ongoing independent audit, meetings with nurseries and exhibitors at RHS Shows, feedback surveys, continued discussions and visits to growers for show gardens, exhibitors and designers, and we continue our dialogue and advocacy with Government.
The review has confirmed that significant progress has been made. Growers, designers and exhibitors have invested time, expertise and resource in adapting production, sourcing and show delivery. We also now have a much clearer picture of where further support is needed, both for exhibitors and for show garden growers.
Currently, for exhibitors in 2027, fewer than 10% are expected to have difficulty meeting the policy requirements next year, and there are 19 potential new exhibitors. For Show gardens, we have been contacting the growers individually to understand the specific issues they face and to work together on practical ways forward, and will actively continue to do so.
The review has also shown that some issues remain. These include complex or international supply chains where full traceability can be difficult to verify; limited availability of ‘no new peat’ propagation material, particularly
RHS Council has discussed the outcomes of the annual review and has confirmed that the policy remains unchanged. Council has also agreed some ongoing and new actions to continue to support the ongoing transition to peat-free growing as set out below, while maintaining the RHS’s leadership role in driving forward the change.
Guidance on RHS peat-free policy for 2027 based on the annual review:
- The current ‘no new peat’ provision remains in place – plants that have been grown in peat-containing growing media before 31 December 2025 are permitted across all elements of RHS Shows because they do not involve the introduction of new peat.
- The existing exemption for peat-starter plants offered for sale by exhibitors is unchanged and permits plants to be sold that contain a small starter plant that contains peat, provided it has been potted on into peat-free compost.
- Under exceptional, limited and evidence-based circumstances that prevent compliance with the peat-free policy, the RHS may extend the ‘peat starter plant’ exemption across wider RHS Show activity. Dispensation will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis, and only where there is clear evidence that the applicant is committed to the transition to peat-free growing and has used all best endeavours to source or grow plants without the use of new peat.
- This dispensation will apply only to named plants or plant groups and must be agreed in advance and approved through a clear, auditable and transparent process.
- The RHS will review dispensations after each show and annually across the show season to identify recurring barriers to peat-free supply, inform future guidance, and support continued progress to peat-free horticulture. Where this provision has been approved, judges will be informed so that entries are not disadvantaged, with full compliance remaining the goal. To support transparency and accountability, the RHS will publish an annual summary of dispensations granted under this process.
We will share information to connect growers for show gardens to nurseries who are peat-free.
Guidance is available on the peat-free dispensation.
We will continue to provide support to growers, designers and suppliers to help increase UK domestic production with technical advice, individual engagement where needed, and clear guidance as the sector completes the transition to peat-free. If exhibitors would like further help and information, please visit the peat-free hub, or contact the peat-free team to facilitate a visit. All exhibitors are invited to the annual RHS Sustainable Horticulture Conference, focussing on peat-free, on 26 November 2026 at RHS Wisley. For those unable to attend, information will be available on the peat-free hub.
We will continue to press Government to help the whole horticultural supply chain move fully away from peat. We have written, with partners, to the recently appointed Prime Minister to keep up the pressure for action. Our ask is for appropriate support, clear and achievable timescales, and practical measures that give growers, suppliers and consumers the confidence needed to complete the transition.
Progress will continue to be reviewed annually in consultation with exhibitors, growers and designers. As has already been the case, our expectation is that reliance on the provision will reduce over time as availability, traceability and confidence in ‘no new peat’ supply continue to improve.
We know the transition has required real effort, and we are committed to working with all exhibitors at RHS Shows to make them successful while continuing to show leadership on one of the most important environmental issues facing horticulture.
