Somerset-based peat and compost company Durstons have signed up to a code of practice that recognises environmentally responsible practices. New 'Responsible Sourcing' criteria will be applied to raw materials as well as their sources.
The criteria take into account the fact that some companies are still using valuable raised bogs to harvest peat, whilst others, such as Durstons, uses peat from agricultural land drained centuries ago which has little or no ecological value.
“Not only does the methodology significantly reduce the negative environmental impact of peat production”, a Durstons spokesman said, “but it also has a positive effect on the local area by creating nationally and internationally important wetland habitats”.
The company say that with a century of investment in the local area behind them, they are committed to long term environmental responsibility across their full product range.
Peat-based composts have turned in strong performances in the GTN Bestseller charts in recent weeks. Garden writer and broadcaster Peter Seabrook, a long-time supporter of peat as the best base for growing media, noted the news in his column in The Sun. See GTN Xtra 23 February issue.
