#Bogsnotbags
We need YOU to make some noise for peat!
Tell the Government that peat belongs in bogs, not bags.
Peat belongs in bogs, not bags
Peatlands are unique habitats with an immense capacity to store carbon, storing twice as much carbon as forests. Peat extraction for gardening and growing directly contributes to the decline of peatlands, which has a knock-on impact for the interlinked nature and climate crises.
Somerset is one of only two places in England where peat extraction is STILL allowed to take place! At the same time, the Government is funding peat restoration in the county because it is vital to the delivery of legally binding environmental and climate targets.
It's time to end peat use in horticulture
Latest update: The Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill's second reading has been postponed until 4th July.
Last year, the former Environment Secretary and Conservative MP Theresa Villiers introduced a Private Members' Bill to Parliament, since the UK Government's pledged peat legislation failed to materialise. Although this Bill passed a first reading, the second reading was abandoned when the general election was called, and no parliamentary time has since been given to proceed with this Bill by the new Labour Government.
On 6th November 2024, Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke put forward the Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill, which passed its first reading. This Bill was due to be presented in more detail at its second reading on 24th January, but was postponed to July.
With 95% of people in favour of the Government taking action to ban retail peat sales, we want to see this Bill reach the next stage of the legislative process — that's where you come in!
Why is contacting your MP important?
We know many people are unsure about how worthwhile contacting their MP will be, and many feel daunted by the prospect of doing so.
When constituents like you engage with decision makers about peat, it is possible to convince even the most sceptical to take action. Contacting your MP is an opportunity to see real, tangible action on peat extraction and peatland degradation at a local and even national level.
CUT AND PASTE THIS COPY INTO YOUR EMAIL
Subject Header: SUPPORT THE BILL TO BAN RETAIL PEAT
Dear [YOUR MP's NAME]
Two years ago, the last UK Government promised to ban the sale of horticultural peat to amateur gardeners by 2024. Although 95% of the public support for this action, the promise was not made it into legislation, and there are no plans for a ban in 2024.
Habitat destruction is a key driver of species decline and the ongoing failure to protect peatlands is hampering our ability to tackle climate change, with emissions from degraded peatlands now making up 4% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions.
The Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill, tabled by Sarah Dyke MP, presents the Government with the perfect opportunity to deliver the ban as promised. Along with The Wildlife Trusts, I urge you to support this Bill and make this a priority to end the destructive trade in horticultural peat.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
