Free training for ‘compost champions’

SWP Compost Champions 02If you know a thing or two about composting, thousands of people in Somerset need your advice, and there is a free course coming up soon to help you share your skills.

The training day on Saturday 28 March is part of the Compost Champions scheme, in which a network of volunteers spread their know-how to friends, neighbours and their community.

Supported by the Carymoor Environmental Trust eco-education charity, dozens of Compost Champions across Somerset help gardeners make the most of garden waste and certain foods.

How they do this is up to the individual champion, from conversations with neighbours and friends to giving talks and setting up display sites in their local community.

Full training is provided and keen team members can borrow display equipment to help them spread the composting word at local events about simple tips to make great soil conditioner.

The 28 March training day runs from 10am to 4pm at Brent Knoll’s Woodlands Hotel, with the chance to visit the impressive gardens at nearby Ball Copse Hall to see their composting set-up.

SWP Compost Champions 01

The day will cover: why compost and the composting process; siting bins and different methods; the best use of compost; frequently asked questions; and how to champion compost.

Almost a third of Somerset household waste could be home composted, including certain foods – fruit and veg peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells – garden waste and some cardboard.

Compost Champion training is free but volunteers must undertake to champion the cause in their community to help residents waste less, recycle more and save money.

Carymoor meets reasonable travel expenses, provides the display materials and is available to give advice if needed. Lunch will be provided on the training day.

For full details about the scheme, contact Rupert Farthing at [email protected] or 01963 350143, or visithttp://www.carymoor.org.uk/compostchampions.html.

Along with plenty of free advice on composting, Somerset gardeners can get compost bin bargains via the Somerset waste Partnership website: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk.

Those unable to compost, or with too much garden waste, can take it to any recycling site or order a fortnightly garden waste collection from their district council for around £1 a week.