A ban on the sale of peat compost to gardeners could be in place by 2024 under government plans.
Ministers are also considering the softer options of a ‘peat tax’ to increase the price of products such as grow-bags, or labels on them to warn that peat extraction is bad for the planet.
These measures are said to contribute towards net zero emissions goals.
But campaigners say a tax ‘just scratches the surface of the problem’ and want a ban that includes professional growers.
Peatlands cover just 3 per cent of the Earth’s surface but contain a fifth of the carbon stored in soil, preventing it escaping into the atmosphere and fuelling global warming. Peatlands in Britain are also home to endangered and rare wildlife.
Under government plans, a ban on peat compost sales (pictured: peat-free compost for gardeners) could become law by 2024.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: ‘The amateur gardening sector has made huge strides in reducing peat use, and there are more sustainable and good-quality peat-free alternatives available than at any other time.
‘I am confident now is the time to make the shift permanent.’
But Ali Morse, from The Wildlife Trusts, said: ‘A peat tax similar to the plastic bag tax simply scratches the surface of the problem.
‘We are discussing adding a few pence on to the cost of grow-bags, when what we need is an outright immediate ban – now and not in 2024 – for both amateur gardeners and professional growers, to protect the environment and nature.’
Peat covers just 3 per cent of the Earth’s surface but contain a fifth of the carbon stored in soil, preventing it escaping into the atmosphere and fuelling global warming
Under the consultation, peat products would be phased out in the amateur horticulture sector in England and Wales by the end of this Parliament – with a ban the preferred option.
An industry group claims that neither a ban or tax will address the problem of alternative materials such as coconut, wood fiber and wool.
James Barnes, spokesman for the Growing Media Taskforce, said: ‘Positive collaboration with government is the key to a horticulture sector without peat.’