Peat in horticulture and conservation: the UK response to a changing world

Published source details Alexander P.D., Bragg N.C., Meade R., Padelopoulos G. & Watts O. (2008) Peat in horticulture and conservation: the UK response to a changing world. Mires and Peat, 3, Article-8.
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Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Raise awareness amongst the public (general) Action Link
	Lobby, campaign or demonstrate to protect peatlands Action Link

Raise awareness amongst the public (general)

A before-and-after study in 1990–2007 in the UK (Alexander et al. 2008) reported that following multiple public awareness campaigns about peat in compost, the proportion of people buying peat free compost increased. These results were not tested for statistical significance. In 2007, 35% of people surveyed had purchased peat free compost, compared to 0% before campaigning in 1990. In 2007, 60% of people surveyed were aware of peat free composts and 47% said that it was very or fairly important that their compost is peat free (no data reported for 1990). The 2007 survey, of 1,811 people, was carried out by a UK do-it-yourself retailer. The study does not report the source of the 1990 data. Awareness-raising was carried out by the Peatlands Campaign Consortium, a group of 10 UK conservation organizations aiming to protect peatlands and increase public awareness of their value and degradation. Specific activities included publishing reports and leaflets, organizing seminars, establishing a National Bog Day and placing education volunteers in garden centres.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)
Lobby, campaign or demonstrate to protect peatlands

A study of peatlands in the UK (Alexander et al. 2008) reported that following pressure from the Peatlands Campaign Consortium, a major peat extraction company donated 3,000 ha of peatland to the English governmental nature conservation body. Campaigning began in 1990 and the peatland was donated in 1992. The campaign was run by the Peatlands Campaign Consortium, whose activities included meetings with businesses, debates with governmental organizations, and public awareness-raising (see Background section). The study does not report how the campaign was related to the donation.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)