Kitchen Garden Forum

My apologies; I see that in my last post, I wrongly suggested that Johnboy had referred to 'taking things on trust' in a previous post. Whilst he may indeed have done so, at some earlier time; it was another's post that I was thinking of in this case.

I do not however feel that this error changes the overall point being made.

John

JohnT wrote:'Peat/Non-Peat Product sales': I have to maintain my view that the lack of 'awareness/knowledge' is an important aspect of the lack of peat-free take-up - both in 'ecological awareness' and product availability.

I don't really want to get too far into the argument, but I don't think the main problem is that people are unaware. The main problems are that peat based composts are (a) most widely available, (b) cheapest and (c) work best. Now, despite all this I avoid them, but I can understand people who simply don't care enough to bother, or put their own growing results ahead of the condition of a peat bog they never will lay eyes upon.

I think it is important to recognise the difference between being unaware, and being aware but not really giving a toss anyway, certainly if it costs them more. Unfortunately where environmental issues are concerned I suspect too many people fall in the latter category.

Following-on from my comments and concerns regarding (peatland) restoration conditions; I see that these are borne-out exactly by the Chat Moss/William Sinclair case highlighted earlier; where there was indeed a requirement to restore at the end of the existing planning permission; which expired in December 2010.

However; Sinclairs have instead chosen to ignore that restoration requirement and apply to extend the permission for peat extraction until 2025; which will apparently remove another 1.5 metres of peat and make effective restoration more difficult.

(Adjoining protected sites have already been affected by the works on Chat Moss; and it is expected that they will further deteriorate, unless Chat Moss is rewetted and restored.)

William Sinclair's application has not been granted (it is under consideration, following a public consultation); but they have nevertheless chosen to ignore all that has gone before and continue with peat extraction from the site.

So much for restoration conditions!*

*Edit: 9 May 2011
The submission to the planning authority by the local Wildlife Trust, states that Sinclairs' were under an obligation under the earlier consent, to agree a restoration plan with Salford CC by June 2008; which was not done.