Grower peat/peat-free panel calls for Government direction and better retail products - recorded live at British Ornamentals Conference 2026
HortWeek PodcastShow Notes
HortWeek's panel at the BOA conference 2026 analysed in-depth how growers and suppliers are working towards peat-free, with the big messages being that retail product needs to be better and that the Government needs to offer clarity to the horticulture industry.
Panellists were Chris Reid, Westland head of technical – growing media,, David Denny of the HTA, Robin Squance, ex-Brookhouse Nurseries and BOA technical committee chairman, Michael Smith – W D Smith & Son, and Steve Carter – Responsible Sourcing Scheme and Fleurie Nursery.
Find out more HERE
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from HortWeek Podcast
While one aspect of the peat-free debate has sparked fierce argument, surprisingly little rigorous science exists to settle it. "Is peat-free growing media really more 'sustainable' than using peat?
In this special series, HortWeek columnist and garden industry consultant Neville Stein brings his Whatever Happened To... feature to the HortWeek podcast, exploring the stories and legacies of once-great horticulture businesses.
"Modern day plant hunter" Rod Richards or New World Plants has banked decades of experience in bringing plants to market and knowing what works.
This September, Northern Roots launched the first phase of what will become the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park, transforming 160 acres of underused land in Oldham into a visitor destination, community resource and living testbed for tackling some of the country's biggest social and environmental challenges.
Jamie Butterworth has gained a higher media profile in recent years with stints on TV presenting for RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners' World.