Environment secretary calls for 'clear compost labels'

Environment secretary Hilary Benn is urging garden centres to ensure that compost is properly labelled if it contains peat, in order to highlight its impact on wildlife and the environment.

Peat used in UK garden compost releases around half a million tonnes of CO2 every year, the equivalent to having an additional 100,000 cars on the road.

Mr Benn said that peat harvested for gardening is particularly damaging for rare wildlife habitats.

"Species such as the curlew and white-faced darter dragonfly find their homes on our peat bogs, over three-quarters of which have already been permanently damaged," he added.

There are many alternatives to using peat compost and packs should be properly [either or] labelled to give consumers a choice.

Gardeners are also being urged to check with retailers and ask for alternatives if they are not sure.

Mr Benn attended the Chelsea Flower Show this week the discuss the issue with horticulturalists there.