The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has expressed disappointment in the omission of legislation relating to the banning of retail peat in horticulture, in the King’s speech given earlier today.

Despite continued commitments from the government to ban retail peat in 2024 and its use in professional horticulture in 2026, the “lack of any legislation adds uncertainty for growers,” says professor Alistair Griffiths, director of science and collections at the RHS.

“The lack of legislation is a missed opportunity to provide clarity for the industry and protect our peatland habitats, which have an important role in carbon storage and flood mitigation and are a home to a unique assemblage of rare and threatened wildlife.”

The charity has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming 100% peat-free across all its operations, including its shows, gardens and retail, by the end of 2025.

In a recent survey of commercial growers and nurseries, it was identified that 40% of businesses are waiting for government legislation so they too can commit to becoming peat-free.

After surveying hundreds of nurseries and growers across the UK, the RHS released a list back in October, outlining all those who were found to be 100% peat-free.