GARDENERS in the region are being urged to buy peat-free compost to save the country's dwindling peat bogs.

The national Wildlife Trusts say the continued use of compost made of peat is devastating one of the nation's most important wildlife habitats.

A spokesman said: "Peat bogs are deceptive. Far from simply being soggy patches of land, they support some fascinating wildlife, such as the carnivorous plants sundew and bladderwort, beautiful dragon and damselflies and a wide variety of birds. They are also one of the UK's most threatened habitats."

According to the organisation, more than 94 per cent of lowland raised peat bogs have been damaged or destroyed in the past 50 years, and the destruction is continuing to feed the market for peat-based gardening products.

A spokesman said: "Peat sales increased an incredible 54 per cent between 1993 and 1997, with the biggest increase occurring in the amateur gardening market."

Now, the trusts have published Where to Buy Peat-free Products. To obtain a copy of the free guide, write to Peat-free, Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1WT.