Give it a Grow: Tackle Biodiversity Loss and Go Peat Free

Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging residents and businesses to fight against biodiversity loss by using peat-free compost.

The Peat Free campaign was launched at Holywood's Priory Integrated College, where staff and students have pledged to go peat free in their purpose-built horticultural facility. It was officially opened earlier this year and includes a 27ft polytunnel which houses raised beds for growing flowers and vegetables.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"The facility at Priory Integrated College is very impressive and their pledge to going 'peat free' will hopefully inspire others to do the same. Peat compost has been used by gardeners and growers for decades but the enthusiasm to feed our own gardens is damaging our environment. Ards and North Down Borough Council is already 'peat free' and this campaign will encourage others to help fight against biodiversity loss by using some of the excellent peat replacement products that are readily available."

Peatlands form over millions of years, providing a home to a variety of specially adapted plants and wildlife that could not survive anywhere else. Peatlands are a massive carbon store and provide a variety of benefits including water storage, the reduction of flood risk, and clean drinking water.

There are many great peat replacement products available such as wood bark, wood fibre, bracken, wool and green waste compost, so why not make a positive change for biodiversity and go Peat Free!