PEAT-FREE WOOL COMPOST MAKERS HELP RESTORE ENGLAND’S ANCIENT BOGS

The makers of an eco-friendly, peat-free compost made from wool and bracken are creating new ground by helping to restore peat bogs in some of the UK’s most precious uplands.

For part of the year Cumbrian farmer Simon Bland harvests the bracken on his local fells and shears sheep wool to make his environmentally-sound Double Strength Wool Compost. The rest of the season sees Simon restoring some of England’s most protected peat bogs in the Lake District, Peak District and other upland areas of Britain.

Simon and his partner Dr Jane Barker not only make peat-free compost but are specialist contractors involved in upland peat bog restoration. Their aim is to help return these important wet and heath lands back to their original landscapes, protecting the multitude of plants, birds and animals that live there. They have also launched recently a separate project to encourage the re-growth of native heather in parts of the Lake District.

As Simon harvests bracken for his compost, he plants new heather seed as he goes. Bracken is an aggressive plant that ‘chokes’ native species and makes grazing difficult for wildlife and livestock. Planting heather seed will encourage new plants to grow and provide a natural habitat for flora and fauna alike. Bracken adds a naturally high level of potash to the mix. The result is a real alternative to peat, with a similar soft texture, and great green credentials.

Wool Compost has been extensively trialled and is being used by some of the leading historic gardens in Cumbria. It is also now available from Lakeland stores across the UK and via the chain’s mail order network.

Simon and Jane, hill farmers in Dalefoot, began manufacturing compost and selling mail order almost 10 years ago, prompted by diminishing returns from their sheep farming business, and the technical input of Jane who holds a PhD in Environmental Science. They began their composting using bracken - a by-product of their environmental and habitat restoration work - before recently adding wool to the mixture.

The compost is available by mail order at www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk

Dalefoot Composts will be exhibiting at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
7th -12th July.

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