Scottish peat ban delay plea

Campaigners say that a rushed ban would cause immense damage

AG READERS in Scotland are being asked to contact their local MSP and MEP regarding the ongoing discussion about banning peat in compost.

The Scottish Government has not yet entered into consultation regarding a ban on peat-based products in horticulture because environmental issues are devolved, making them separate from those in England.

Now advocates for the horticultural industry are asking Scottish ministers to delay the proposed ban until a consistently suitable substitute can be found, and are urging gardeners north of the border to contact their MSPs with their views and concerns.

This drive is being led by Stan Green, managing director of Growforth Ltd wholesale nursery and current chairman of the Scottish Policy Development Group for the Horticultural Trades Industry (HTA).

He said: "We all accept we need to move away from using peat, but I would say to the Government, please give us time to get it right. We need to have a replacement for peat substrate in place, but the big problem is finding something good.

"We can't rush into this and go off halfcock because that would be damaging."