Peatlands are carbon rich wetlands that cover up to 12% of the UK land area and 3% of the global land surface. When well-managed and maintained, they have a net cooling effect on climate, reduce flood risk and support biodiversity. Healthy peatlands can reduce the flow of water from the uplands and provide floodplain storage for the lowlands. They also provide essential habitat for many wading birds, rare insects, flora and fauna.

Around 80% of the 3 million hectares of UK peatland has been affected by human activities, including the extraction of peat from lowland bogs for the horticulture industry, forestry channels being dug in the uplands and the draining of the lowlands, resulting in this precious environment hanging in the balance. It is estimated that there are more than 3.2 million tonnes of C0₂ being held in the UK peatlands alone and the affect it would have on the climate, if released, is unthinkable.

It takes 1,000 years for 1m of peat to form, so here at AHS we are doing our bit to help save this wonderful piece of natural habitat for the benefit of all, by ensuring that all our composts are absolutely peat-free. Support the continued fightback for UK peatlands by checking out our new Heart of Eden, All-Purpose Natural Compost, which is ethically produced and 100% peat-free!