Ban on peat for gardeners could be in place by 2024 under government plans 

A ban on the sale of peat compost to gardeners could be in place by 2024 under government plans.

Ministers are also considering the softer options of a ‘peat tax’ to increase the price of products such as grow-bags, or labels on them to warn that peat extraction is bad for the planet.

They argue that such measures will contribute to net-zero emissions targets.

But campaigners say a tax ‘just scratches the surface of the problem’ and want a ban that includes professional growers.

Peatlands cover just 3 per cent of the Earth’s surface but contain a fifth of the carbon stored in soil, preventing it escaping into the atmosphere and fuelling global warming. British peatland is also home to rare and endangered wildlife.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: ‘The amateur gardening sector has made huge strides in reducing peat use, and there are more sustainable and good-quality peat-free alternatives available than at any other time. 

‘I am confident now is the time to make the shift permanent.’

But Ali Morse, from The Wildlife Trusts, said: ‘A peat tax similar to the plastic bag tax simply scratches the surface of the problem. 

‘We are discussing adding a few pence on to the cost of grow-bags, when what we need is an outright immediate ban – now and not in 2024 – for both amateur gardeners and professional growers, to protect the environment and nature.’

Under the consultation, peat products would be phased out in the amateur horticulture sector in England and Wales by the end of this Parliament – with a ban the preferred option.

But an industry body claims neither a ban nor a tax address problems with the availability of alternatives such as wood fibre, wool and coconut.

James Barnes, spokesman for the Growing Media Taskforce, said: ‘Positive collaboration with government is the key to a horticulture sector without peat.’