Abstract: A method of forming a peat based product comprises the steps of mixing raw peat with a binder, e.g. Portland Cement, and an amount of internal draining agent for the peat, e.g. hydrated lime, and pressing the resulting mix in a mould to remove at least half the chemically free water content from the mix. The amount of internal draining agent for the peat is preferably not less by weight than about half the amount of binder, and the water content of the raw peat is usually at least 90% by weight and this may be reduced to less than 35% by weight of the mix during pressing. In a variation, a mixture of ground silica sand and hydrated lime initially provides the draining agent, and the pressed article is cured in an autoclave, the silica and hydrated lime combining during autoclaving to provide the binder.