A new bill aiming to end the sale of horticultural peat in England by 2025 has sparked opposition, with Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope calling it a "full-frontal attack on British horticulture."

The proposed Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke for Glastonbury and Somerton, seeks to fast-track a ban on peat-based products to protect the UK's threatened peatlands. However, critics argue that the bill risks damaging the horticultural industry and creating an unfair playing field.

Sir Christopher Chope, representing Christchurch, voiced his concerns about the bill's potential impact on British horticulture, claiming it could place UK growers at a disadvantage compared to European competitors. "We should have a level playing field with European growers," said Chope, pointing out that the Netherlands, for example, remains a large exporter of peat-based horticultural products to the UK. He argued that continuing to allow imported peat-based products would undermine the domestic market.

Chope also questioned why the bill specifically targets horticultural peat while other significant peat uses, such as fuel, remain unaddressed. "Why are we having a go at the use of peat in horticulture and agriculture when we could be dealing with the much larger issue of the extraction of peat for heating our homes?" he asked, adding that peat extraction for fuel has a much larger environmental footprint than its use in horticulture.

In response, Sarah Dyke defended her bill as a necessary step to address the urgent environmental challenges facing the UK's peatlands. "Both for the future of our planet and our path to net zero, the destruction of irreplaceable peatlands simply cannot continue," she said. Peatlands cover nearly 10% of the UK's land, serving as essential carbon stores and wildlife habitats. Somerset's Levels and Moors alone contain around 11 million tonnes of carbon but are heavily impacted by peat extraction, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions and habitat loss. Dyke highlighted the growing demand from environmentalists and gardeners alike for peat-free alternatives, citing a recent report that shows over 70% of gardeners are interested in sustainable gardening options.

Locally, some horticultural businesses have already shifted away from peat. Durston Garden Products, near Street, is the largest growing media manufacturer in southern England and now produces 75% of its products peat-free, up from just 25% five years ago. However, Sir Christopher argues that relying on alternatives, such as coir, can also come with environmental costs, as it is largely imported from Sri Lanka, requiring desalting and significant transportation.

Ms Dyke remains committed to the 2025 ban, stating that establishing a clear deadline will end years of uncertainty for horticultural businesses and support a sustainable transition. "Continuing in a state of uncertainty, while losing more of our precious peat bogs, is arguably far more damaging to the industry, our planet, and our futures," she said, adding that the proposed legislation is designed to support the shift to more environmentally friendly practices within the industry.

While the bill has strong support among environmental groups, it will likely face continued debate as it progresses. Sir Christopher has challenged Ms Dyke to include detailed exemptions in the bill, warning that without these, the legislation could have "unacceptable unintended consequences." However, Ms Dyke, a strong advocate for sustainable practices in Somerset, is determined to see her bill become law, arguing that the benefits to the environment and British horticulture will far outweigh the challenges.

With public interest in sustainable gardening on the rise, the proposed 2025 ban is set to remain a hot topic in Somerset and beyond as it continues through Parliament.