Much of the UK’s peatland is now severely degraded. The legacy of previous governments is still manifest in the commercial peat market, grouse shooting, farming and forestry.
The commercial peat market Peat was harvested as a household fuel for centuries, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. A small, but significant market still exists for peat to heat homes in traditional fireplaces. The picture shows that peat is still sold in Scotland.
Selling of peat to be used as domestic fuel – Gulf petrol station Castle Douglas Scotland
A significant commercial peat market emerged in the 20th century. Ireland had three power stations, which used peat as a fuel accounting for over 12% of electricity generation, but 20% of CO2 output from the generating sector. The last two will be closed in 2020.
The commercial selling of peat for other purposes started in the 1950s when it began to be used as a cheap and effective compost because of its water retention properties. It became and still is a staple for gardeners. It is now sold in the UK as a horticultural product in garden centres, DIY stores, supermarkets and online. Shockingly it makes up about half of the growing medium used by the commercial horticulture trade. Total UK sales of about 2 million cubic metres are valued at £5 billion. The UK Government has granted decades-long extraction licences and is reluctant to withdraw them as it would cost it millions of pounds in compensation.
We will explain the other threats and what you can do to help in later blogs.
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