Major new funding for Enrich the Earth unlocks the future of peat-free gardening

Gardeners across the UK are set to benefit from a major new push to make peat-free growing easier, more reliable and more successful, following fresh funding from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

This new investment will help train more than 12,000 garden centre staff, put peat-free compost to the test with real gardeners, and accelerate the introduction of a trusted new quality standard - all aimed at removing the biggest barriers holding gardeners back.

While demand for peat-free products continues to grow, many gardeners still struggle with inconsistent compost performance and unclear advice. This programme tackles those challenges head-on, combining practical support, robust evidence and sector-wide collaboration.

The initiative brings together leading organisations across horticulture to make peat-free gardening the easy, confident choice.

What the programme will deliver

Training for garden centre staff

Working with the Garden Centre Association, two new video modules will be added to the GROW training platform, reaching over 12,000 staff. These will cut through common myths and equip teams with clear, practical advice to help customers succeed with peat-free compost.

Citizen science with 100 gardeners

Researchers at Newcastle University will work with 100 amateur gardeners to test different peat-free products in real-world conditions, exploring how guidance and messaging can improve confidence and results.

A new quality standard for peat-free compost

In partnership with the Growing Media Association, the project will help finalise and promote a new independently assessed Quality Standard - giving gardeners confidence that peat-free composts will perform as expected.

Enrich the Earth has already delivered practical peat-free guidance backed by more than 20 organisations including DEFRA, explored policy options to support the transition, and launched a pioneering community growing initiative in the North East of England.

Now, this next phase takes that work further - turning collaboration into tangible change at scale.

Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association, said:

“Garden centres are on the frontline of the transition to peat-free gardening. Staff are regularly asked for advice by customers who want to make the switch but aren’t always sure where to start. These new training modules will give teams the confidence and knowledge they need to support gardeners.”

Simon Blackhurst, Chair of the Garden Media Association, added:

“An independently assessed Quality Mark for peat-free composts will be a major step forward in building gardener confidence. This project will help ensure the standard is recognised and trusted.”

This funding marks a decisive shift from ambition to action. By improving product confidence, strengthening advice at the point of sale, and grounding decisions in real-world evidence, Enrich the Earth is removing the guesswork from peat-free gardening.

The result is simple but powerful: more gardeners succeeding first time, more retailers able to support them and a faster more confident transition away from peat across the UK.

In short, this is how peat-free becomes the new normal not through compromise, but through better outcomes for everyone who grows.