Peat is partially decomposed vegetable matter. Peat forms in cool, wet, acidic environments, which hamper the decay of plant material. Peat is found in several kinds of wetlands including bogs, moors, muskegs, pocosins, mires and peat swamp forests. Peat moss covers about 2% of the Earth's land surface. It takes hundreds of years for peat to accumulate. Peat has been forming for more than 300 million years. Peat is the first stage in the formation of coal. Peat is used in a variety of ways. When dried, peat can be used as fuel. Peat is used by gardeners to increase the acidity of soil and keep it moist. Peat wetlands are an endangered environment as they're quick to harvest but slow to develop.