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RHS comments on the Government’s intention to end peat use for professional growers from December 2026

Professor Alistair Griffiths, Director of Science and Collections at the Royal Horticultural Society, comments on the Government’s intention to end peat use for professional growers from December 2026: “Peatlands are the world’s largest carbon store on land, with great potential to store carbon long term, helping to reach net zero. They reduce flooding, when rewetted reduce fire risks and provide valuable habitats for both plants and animals.”

“To tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, it is essential that we have a sustainable transition to peat-free alternative growing medias and this Government’s announcement makes the RHS £1million collaborative project with growers, suppliers and government even more important. Bringing together representatives of the horticultural industry, government and scientists to deliver science solutions for people, gardens and nature.”

Notes to editors

For further information contact Liz Woznicki in the RHS press office: [email protected]
 
About the RHS
 
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) was founded in 1804 and is the UK’s largest gardening charity.
 
The RHS vision is to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place via its inspirational gardens and shows, science research and advisory, extensive library collections and far-reaching education and community programmes. With over 600,000 members the RHS also shares its horticultural knowledge and expertise with millions of people every year through its website and publications.
 
In 2021, the RHS launched its Sustainability Strategy, committing to be net positive for nature and people by 2030. The supporting RHS Planet-Friendly Gardening Campaign continues to harness the power of the UK’s 30 million gardeners to help tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis.
  
For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk
 

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.