Peat-Free
Bridgend County Borough Council operates a peat-free practice across all its operations involving soil, compost, and growing media.
This supports the Welsh Government’s commitment to nature recovery and contributes to wider UK and international efforts to protect vital peatland habitats.
Peatlands play a critical role in carbon storage, flood mitigation, biodiversity protection, and water quality. The extraction and use of peat contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and the degradation of these unique ecosystems.
By transitioning to peat-free alternatives, the council is:
- Complying with national and Welsh Government legislation and policy, including the UK Government’s ban on the sale of peat-based compost to amateur gardeners (from 2024) and anticipated further restrictions on professional use.
- Supporting sustainable land management practices in line with the goals of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and the Nature Recovery Action Plan for Wales.
- Promoting biodiversity and climate resilience across the county borough.
This well-established practice applies to all council-managed grounds and parks, procurement of horticultural products, and partnership projects with schools, community groups, and contractors.
Residents, businesses, and community organisations are encouraged to join us in choosing peat-free gardening and landscaping solutions.
Together, we can protect our environment, tackle climate change, and ensure a greener future for Bridgend County Borough and beyond.