The Peat-free Partnership has written an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with over 100 signatories asking the government to end sales of peat.

The letter argues that despite strides in reducing the usage of peat, in 2022 there was enough peat sold to fill 380 Olympic sized swimming pools and has been signed by the likes of Chris Packham, the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Trust.

The letter says: “We are proof that peat is not required for British horticulture to flourish.

“Between us we grow, buy and sell millions of exceptional quality peat-free plants every single year.

“With a fair, well managed and supported transition, there is a bright, successful future ahead for a fully peat-free, proudly sustainable UK horticultural industry.”

It is the first time that environmental non-governmental organizations, key people from the horticultural industry have come together at this level to call for an end to peat sales.

The previous UK government pledged to end the peat sale but did not do so before the election earlier this year.

Peat-free Partnership is a a broad coalition of horticultural businesses and environmental NGOs, funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and hosted by the wild plant conservation charity Plantlife.

The letter ends on a strong plea, as it says: “To bring an end to the business uncertainty which has plagued the UK’s horticultural industry for well over a decade now – legislation is needed.

“This is a popular and straightforward measure left as unfinished business by the previous government.

“We call on you to make this a priority for your government’s programme and legislate without delay to end the sale of peat.”

In response to the letter, the respective chairmen of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), James Barnes, and Garden Centre Association (GCA), Will Blake, issued a joint statement urging a more cautious approach.

The statement says: “We understand the concerns raised in the recent open letter about using peat in horticulture. However, the UK Environmental Horticulture sector is already progressing in moving away from peat without the need for new regulations.

“Transitioning away from peat is complex and not the same for everyone.

“No new areas of peatland are being used for extraction, and we believe that more progress can be made by working together, being innovative, and choosing sustainable practices voluntarily rather than through new laws.

“Imposing legislative mandates without properly considering their impact could inadvertently disrupt the progress already made, particularly for smaller businesses still adapting to peat-free alternatives.”

The debate surrounding peat is never quiet and only last week the RHS launched a new PhD, focused on advancing peat-free plug plant production systems.