Campaign exposes hidden peat in retail products ( www.birdguides.com )

The Wildlife Trusts have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of hidden peat in retail products.

Many consumers are aware of the environmental dangers of using peat – both to wildlife and to the climate – and so avoid buying peat-based composts. But some people may be inadvertently buying peat-based products without realising that it is often used as a growing medium for houseplants, leafy salads and mushrooms.

The Hidden Peat campaign will help to increase consumer understanding of peat-based products and help more people to understand the pressures that UK peatlands face, such as those in Somerset which are being dug up for use in horticulture.