Alan Titchmarsh: Stop encouraging use of unsustainable peat

Alan Titchmarsh is a hypocrite. He claims he supports wildlife, yet he continues to practice and condone the use of peat based composts for certain aspects of gardening, despite other top gardeners being peat free for ten years or more. He has made a u-turn on his former anti-peat stance. I join the growing numbers calling for him to set an example to other gardeners, both professionals and hobbyists, by stopping his irresponsibility and hypocrisy now.

The extraction of peat from peat bogs destroys threatened peatland wildlife and contributes significantly to climate change by releasing stored greenhouse gases, and destroying an important carbon sink. As has been widely reported in the media, a recent survey of 27 top gardeners, conducted by the RSPB, revealed that more than half of them are still using peat or peat based products in their gardens.

Perhaps the most influential of these is Alan Titchmarsh. He claims that for some things, such as potting up seedlings and cuttings, there is currently no real alternative. He says that he will not give up peat until a ‘perfect substitute’ is discovered. This is despite the fact that in 2000 he reportedly claimed to have been ‘peat-free’ for the previous 5 years. He was also involved in an anti-peat campaign just three years ago.

In his column in the latest issue of Gardeners’ World magazine, Mr Titchmarsh explains the advantage of peat over its peat free alternatives as if to justify his use of it. He seeks further justification from the fact that he ‘mostly’ gardens organically, conserves water, and supports wildlife in his garden.

Whatever else Mr Titchmarsh may do to lessen his impacts on the environment, this cannot justify supporting such an unsustainable practice as commercial peat extraction. It is pure hypocrisy to support a practice so destructive to wildlife considering that one of his justifications for doing so is that he supports wildlife in his garden. Furthermore, the peat alternatives which he says cannot satisfy his needs appear to be perfectly adequate for other highly regarded gardeners: Emma Cooper, David Hamilton, Ryan Lewis, Val Bourne, and Stephanie Donaldson to name a few.

Mr Titchmarsh should not feel like he has been singled out for no reason amongst the host of gardeners who have also publicly shared his views on peat. He is arguably the most famous, influential, and trusted gardener on British Television, and a household name. His opinions and actions are respected and mirrored by gardeners up and down the country (my own dad sees him as a bit of a hero!) A visit to the forums of http://www.alantitchmarsh.com shows the potential impact of his actions. Commenting on the forum topic ‘Alan and the use of peat’ Rosemary, a forum member for two years, commented the following:

“You know, my husband bought a bag of nothing but peat, and we spread it all over the garden last weekend. At the time I felt guilty, but now I don’t….. cheers Alan!”

Mr Titchmarsh is privileged to be so well liked, respected, and influential to British Gardeners. He can provide a strong voice to encourage individuals to stop using peat, and to encourage garden suppliers to reduce barriers to these individuals doing so. He has a moral, environmental, and social responsibility to use his influence to positive ends and go back to his good old ‘anti-peat days’ of three years ago.