Communal Composting Site

Purpose

The Communal Composting site was set up because bonfires were an increasing source of tension between the Allotment Association, the Council and local residents.

People who normally burn their weeds, prunings and crop residues were invited to bring them to be composted instead. There has been a tremendous response and a marked reduction in the number of bonfires.

How it works

Members bring their compostable material and leave it in the bins nearest the path.

Volunteers then sort it out and layer it into the other bins. Careful mixing of different types of material produces a heap that heats up, killing weeds and pathogens. The heap is then left to mature for a few months.

When the heap is ready, members can have the finished product.

1. No more bonfires! The smoke is a serious nuisance, especially to asthmatics.
2. Improved soil fertility: compost is an excellent soil conditioner and fertiliser.
3. Saves money: no need to buy fertilisers, mulches or peat.
4. Saves water: compost holds water, reducing the need to water.
5. Helpful to wildlife. Beneficial animals, such as ground beetles and centipedes, thrive in soil rich in compost.
   
   

We need volunteers to operate a rota to keep the site tidy.
If you are still burning weeds, consider bring them to the site instead.
Please do not leave glass, plastic, metal bricks or other non-compostable materials at the site. Take them home!

top of page