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How would a peat-based compost ban affect Scotland? By Kevin Keane Published image captionPeat extraction at a site in Scotland Peat extractors in Scotland could be hit by a proposed ban announced in England on the sale of peat-based compost. Very little extraction is undertaken south of the border but there are still several sites in Scotland where it is removed commercially. The practice is considered damaging to the environment because it is such an important store of carbon. Peat has been used by commercial growers and amateur gardeners since the mid 20th Century, though today peat-fr...

SOME of Scotland’s most threatened wildlife species could recover and thrive if the country’s peatlands are restored, environmental experts have said. According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Scotland, the unique habitats provide homes for a range of creatures including the red-listed merlin, hen harrier and curlew as well as newts, frogs and lizards. WWF Scotland has raised concerns about the bogs being under pressure due to burning and commercial extraction for peat-based compost. Dr Sheila George, food & environment policy manager at WWF Scotland, said: “The importance of our preciou...

Scotland's 'precious peatlands cannot be overestimated'. Photo: Siobhan Fraser SCOTLAND should look to restoring its peatlands to help some of the country’s most threatened species and reduce climate emissions, a leading environmental organisation has said. WWF Scotland say peatlands are unique habitats which provide homes for an amazing range of wildlife, including the merlin, hen harrier, and curlew, as well as newts, frogs, and lizards. However, campaigners have warned that 80 per cent of peatlands in Scotland are degraded. The Scottish Government has recently announced a ban on ...