Trudy Harrison MP for Copeland and Defra minister, visits Greenwood Plants to discuss its peat-free growing success

Trudy Harrison MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Defra and Minister for natural environment and land use, visited Greenwood Plants on 11^th October 2023 to discuss its transition to peat-free growing.

Greenwood started its transition to becoming peat-free in early 2022, and currently grows 99% of its plants across all six of its nurseries using peat-free compost. Trials are underway in its propagation area to transition the last 1% of the young plants into peat-free growing media. Greenwood is expected to announce that it is growing 100% peat-free in coming weeks, well ahead of its end of 2023 target.

Mrs Harrison said, “It was a pleasure to visit Greenwood for a tour of its Fresh Acres site and see how it has embraced the challenge of transitioning to peat-free horticulture.

“Peatlands provide important habitats for our plants and wildlife and are large natural carbon stores, which is why we are phasing out the use of peat in the professional horticultural sector by 2030.”

Last week Greenwood was named ‘Peat Free Grower of the year’ at the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) awards 2023, acknowledging the company’s commitment to becoming peat-free.

“We are proud to be leading our sector in the transition to peat-free. We believe this is an essential first step for the horticultural sector in contributing to the vision for Net Zero across the UK for current and future generations” said Melanie Asker, Managing Director.

Following the completion of their peat-free transition, Greenwood’s focus will be on its supply chain, with many suppliers to Greenwood already committing to fulfilling their orders with plants grown in 100% peat-free media.

To find out more about Greenwood’s peat free journey so far, as well as more information regarding the issues surrounding the harvesting of peat, visit https://greenwoodplants.co.uk/peat-free-growing/