Peat bogs store carbon in a highly efficient way, as phenolic compounds slow down decomposition of plant material, locking up carbon dioxide in the long term - or until the peat bog dries out or is harvested for compost.

Under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Government target is for a 90% reduction in peat use by 2010, however according to the Gardeners' World programme, we are unlikely to meet that target until 2026.

The Wildlife Trusts' advice sheet on Gardening without Peat (PDF file) provides a good written overview, or there is RHS advice on this topic, or Which? reviews of peat free compost.

Around two thirds of peat use is by amateur gardeners, with commercial horticulture accounting for the remainder. As gardeners we are therefore in a very strong position to reduce the amount of peat extracted for compost, by buying peat free alternatives.