In a bid to raise awareness of the threat from continued use of peat within the garden and building trades, a wildlife trust has launched a100% peat-free compost.
The Cheshire Wildlife Trust's multi-purpose, peat-free compost provides an alternative product that is guaranteed to help preserve the region's valuable peat bogs. This excellent substitute is made available in 40 litre bags from Reaseheath Garden Centre near Nantwich.
Peat bogs are amongst the most delicate and valuable wildlife habitats in the region, but with around 2.5 million cubic metres of peat sold to commercial and amateur gardeners each year, they are coming under increased threat.
Sue Tatman Conservation Officer of Cheshire Wildlife Trust comments
'The UK has lost 94% of its lowland raised peat bogs since the beginning of the 19th century with demand for peat resulting in the destruction, degradation and fragmentation of lowland peat bogs and their wildlife. By selling peat-free compost we are offering gardeners a real alternative to harmful peat use.'
For further information on Cheshire Wildlife Trust visit the website at
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/Cheshire or telephone 01270 610 180.
